Celebrating Black History Month

February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and impacts of African Americans. In addition to honoring leaders who shaped our past, we recognize that there are countless Leadership Foundation alumni who are currently having an impact on our community. Today, I’d like to introduce you to alums Brandon Bruce, Marti Champion and Yoal Kidane Ghebremeskel and recognize their work.

Brandon Bruce, an Impact Denver 2016 alum, a Leadership Denver (LD) 2021 participant and Dish Network senior project manager, emphasizes philanthropy in his life. Giving back to community was instilled in Brandon at a young age watching his grandmothers’ philanthropic involvement. He’s passionate about giving back to young Black men in his community. “Giving is an opportunity to give back so you’re making sure you bring other people along with you,” he said. Brandon serves as the co-chair of Denver African American Philanthropist and on the board of the Community Investment Network. He’s also past president of the Urban League Young Professionals of Metro Denver, an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity INC, Denver Alumni Chapter and serves on our Alumni Advisory Council.

Marti Champion, an alum of LD 2020 and head of middle school for Graland Country Day School, is committed to the health and wellness of her school. Working with 40 teachers and almost 300 students daily, Marti is creating space for teachers and students to feel safe and comfortable expressing their voice. “It’s important to be accessible. We create space and support for students to find their voice and purpose,” Marti said. Accessibility is part of her leadership style. You’ll find Marti at recess, on lunch duty and all over campus to create those meaningful connections with her students. This commitment has taken on a whole new meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yoal Kidane Ghebremeskel, an alum of LD 2015 and Colorado’s Civic DNA Fellows 2019, is cultivating communities. As executive director of Street Fraternity, Yoal is creating a place of brotherhood and personal growth for urban young men ages 14–25 and older who primarily live in the Denver’s East Colfax Avenue neighborhood. It’s a place co-created in respect – respect of yourself, your peers and your time. And it’s providing access to role models in their community. “We want to see them being successful to create that generational change for the future,” Yoal said.