TRAINING & PROGRAMS
Leadership Is a Skill. We Build It.
AALI-SA's training programs and community initiatives are designed to develop real leadership capacity — through education, mentorship, hands-on experience, and the kind of networks that open doors.
Fellowship Program · Youth Leadership · Professional Development · Community Forums · Mentorship
CORE PROGRAM
The AALI Fellowship Program
The foundation of our leadership development legacy — over 20 years strong.
The AALI Fellowship Program is the cornerstone of our organization's leadership development mission. Since the institute's founding, the fellowship has brought together cohorts of emerging and established African American professionals for an intensive year of training, mentorship, peer learning, and community engagement.
Fellows gain access to experienced mentors, leadership frameworks, civic engagement opportunities, and a network of AALI alumni who have gone on to lead across San Antonio's public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This is the program that built AALI-SA's 20-year legacy.
Format: Cohort-based · Year-long program
Audience: Emerging and established African American professionals in San Antonio
Focus Areas: Leadership, civic engagement, mentorship, professional development
Status: Program details for the 2026–2027 cohort coming soon
WHAT FELLOWS GAIN
Structured leadership training across core competencies
One-on-one mentorship from senior community leaders
Peer network of fellow cohort members across industries
Civic engagement and community service experience
Access to AALI-SA's broader alumni and professional network
Opportunities to lead organizational committees and initiatives
Recognition as an AALI-SA Fellow — a mark of leadership in San Antonio
AALI-SA's current President, Greg Belleny, is a graduate of the AALI Class of 2005–2006. Vice President Gerald Butler graduated in 2007. The fellowship's alumni continue to serve in leadership roles throughout San Antonio — in government, business, education, and community organizations.
ACTIVE & UPCOMING PROGRAMS
What We're Running in 2026
AALI-SA is in an active phase of programmatic growth. Here is what is currently running, in development, and planned for this year and beyond.
AALI Connect Mixer Series
Networking & Engagement
ACTIVE · MONTHLY
A monthly mixer series designed to create meaningful connection opportunities for African American leaders, professionals, and community partners across San Antonio. Events rotate venues and themes — past events have included an arts and culture evening at SAAACAM.
Details:
Open to members and guests
Free RSVP required · Ages 18+
Refreshments provided
Venue rotates monthly across San Antonio
Youth Leadership Program
Next Generation
IN DESIGN · 2027 ROLLOUT
AALI-SA's Youth Leadership Program provides a comprehensive leadership development experience designed to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in school, career, and life. Through engaging workshops, interactive learning, mentorship, and community-based activities, participants will develop the character and leadership abilities necessary to become positive influences within their families, schools, and communities.
Details:
Curriculum currently in development
Partner conversations underway
Target launch: 2027
Contact Gerald Butler at ggbutler@att.net to support or get involved
Black Business Forum
Community Impact
ACTIVE · JUNE 27 2026
AALI-SA's first citywide Black Business Forum, held in partnership with the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce. A focused, working conversation on advancing Black business in San Antonio — covering economic development, access to capital, visibility, and collaboration.
Details:
June 27, 2026
Dr. E. Thurman Walker Sports Complex & Community Center, 314 Eross Street, San Antonio TX 78202
In partnership with Alamo City Black Chamber
Planning committee forming now
Committee Leadership Tracks
Member Development
ONGOING · OPEN TO MEMBERS
AALI-SA's committee structure is a built-in leadership development pathway. Members can step into project leadership roles, sponsor organizational initiatives, and gain hands-on experience managing programs, communications, events, and fundraising efforts.
Details:
Open to all active members
Committees: Membership, Events, Fundraising, Communications, Digital Outreach
Short-term task teams also available
Builds directly toward future leadership roles
COMING 2027
Youth Leadership Program
San Antonio's African American community deserves a leadership pipeline that starts early. AALI-SA is building a Youth Leadership Program that reflects the needs of our young people — providing mentorship, civic education, professional exposure, and the kind of community connection that shapes lifelong leaders.
The program is designed as a continuous pathway from elementary through high school, allowing participants to develop progressively through age-appropriate experiences, leadership opportunities, and milestone achievements.
THE CASE FOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP
"I would love to see AALI continue to lead by developing leaders who are not only skilled, but deeply relational — leaders who understand empathy, trust, and connection as core competencies. AALI is uniquely positioned to set a new standard for leadership that produces both meaningful impact and lasting change."
— AALI-SA Member
GET INVOLVED
There Are Multiple Ways to Engage
Whether you want to participate, volunteer, partner, or support — AALI-SA has a place for you.
🎓 Become a Fellow — Express interest in AALI-SA's fellowship program and be notified when the next cohort opens.
🏢 Partner with Us — Organizations looking to support African American leadership development can partner with AALI-SA on programs, events, and initiatives.
🧑🏫 Volunteer as a Mentor — Share your experience with emerging leaders. AALI-SA is actively recruiting mentors for both the fellowship and Youth Leadership Program.
💛 Support Our Programs — Your donation directly funds leadership development programming, the Youth Leadership Program design, and community engagement initiatives.