The Leaders of Color program launched in 2018 to elevate the tremendous talent of community-based leaders of color. Since then, 199 leaders have emerged from the program ready to bring change to their communities. These are their stories.

Meet Allan Rogers, a Leaders of Color alum from our class of 2022 in Washignton, D.C. 

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‍What inspired you to get involved in civic leadership?

Civic leadership requires all of us to mobilize in order to create change. I knew that to become the leader I wanted to be, I needed further training, professional development, and to build a network of like-minded leaders who I could rely on and build together with. 

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How has the Leaders of Color program helped you?

I had the privilege to meet some amazing individuals in my cohort who are already doing amazing work. This experience gave me the opportunity to not only learn from them, but to also recognize how I can build my own skills to help serve in a more impactful way. I look forward to continuing my growth and how I can more strategically set myself up to be a change agent.

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What advice do you have for people who are thinking about becoming leaders of their own communities?

Listen to the communities that you are serving prior to coming up with assumptions of what you believe to be the "solution.” Bring 100% of yourself to the table (true change is a marathon and requires a full commitment). Seek mentors who can help you identify areas of strength as well as growth. 

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Tell us about an a-ha moment you had about your own leadership abilities.

The program reaffirmed for me that the only way to build change is to be in the room. Leaders of Color was an amazing experience, I am excited for my mentor, and I look forward to continuing to learn from the leadership team.  

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How do you support children and youth in your community?

I am an Advocacy Director for an organization that works with homeless and housing insecure families in Washington D.C. We provide safe spaces for children and youth to play and learn, and mobilize families, orgs, and other voices in the city to speak for areas of need and change to better support homeless populations in Washington, DC. My role includes building bridges with officials in the city to be aware of what families are experiencing in the housing sites and how we can support under-resourced communities to succeed.
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Do you have a favorite quote that motivates you?

"If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything."