Virgil Roberts

Co-founder’s Message: The Next Decade of AABLI

Written by: Virgil Roberts
Board Chair

January is often considered the month for resets. It is the month when people make resolutions to do better—to lose weight, stop smoking, change jobs. In the spirit of new beginnings and in my capacity as a co-founder and chair of the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI), I’ve been thinking about the past and future of our hardworking organization.

Steven Tolbert

Membership Does Have Its Privileges

Written By: Steven Tolbert
Vice President of Finance and Administration,
Loyola High School of Los Angeles
AABLI Alumnus, Class # 17

The African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI) was instrumental in helping me get appointed to the Board of Chrysalis, a Los Angeles based non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless and low-income individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. In response to my request for Board Placement Assistance, AABLI provided me with a list of names of organizations that matched my interests, along with supporting materials.

Our Success Story: Chrysalis Benefits from AABLI Placement Services

Written by: Mark Loranger, M.B.A.
President & CEO, Chrysalis

Chrysalis was delighted when the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI) referred Steve Tolbert (Class #17) to us for consideration as a board member.

It was clear from our first discussion that Steve had been well prepared by AABLI for board membership at Chrysalis, which is dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment.

Pandemic, Blackness and Higher Education

Written by: KiMi Wilson, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor, California State University, Los Angeles
AABLI Alumnus, Class #16

Nine thousand two hundred and forty hours have passed –as of this writing– since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. COVID abruptly halted or disrupted frequent flyer miles, conference schedules, worship services, hikes, and gatherings with family and friends.

Faculty office hours

Building Stronger, High Performing Boards

Faculty Office Hours
Written by: Yolanda J. Gorman, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, UCLA
AABLI Lead Faculty

In my work with nonprofit boards, I often find that board members are extremely talented, skilled and passionate about the organizations they serve.

Why, then, do some governing boards have such bad reputations?

Diversity: Let's come together

Moving Beyond Bold DEI Statements to Action: How Board Members Can Influence Change

Written by: Lori Walton
Inclusion & Diversity Corporate Philanthropist
AABLI Alumna, Class #16

We will never forget 2020. It brought us face to face with a deadly pandemic, but it also has brought about a heightened focus on racial injustice. From protests around the world to community activism, we have witnessed increasing, bold statements of change from organizations calling for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

What does their support for DEI mean?