Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Celebrates 2026 Gala

The Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado (ULFC) held its 2026 Annual Leadership and Legacy Gala surrounded by a golden mural of ancient African cultures, themes and heroes captured in a collage of images up through the 21st century.

The event is a chance to honor a cultural history and to recognize local Coloradans who gather for celebration, inspiration, and empowerment to honor the legacy of leadership in the Black community.

This year’s theme: “Do You Remember The Times? Celebrating Black Excellence Through the Ages” This theme is more than nostalgia. It also is recognition, and a reminder that African American contributions have shaped communities, industries, movements, and history throughout the ages. From ancient innovation and cultural brilliance to modern leadership and transformation, Black excellence and achievements, so often unacknowledged or unrecognized, have always moved the world forward.

Emcee Shed G. kept guests entertained and laughing throughout the night. The opening dance number from the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance troupe got the crowd ready for an entertaining and joyful evening. Shed G. introduced ULFC leadership and speakers including CEO/President Dr. Ryan Ross; ULFC Board President David Allen; and Ahmad Lowe, ULFC Director of Organizational Effectiveness, Alumni and Global Initiatives; Janai Hanes, ULFC Alumna and Executive Operations Manager; ULFC intern Imanji Shannon; and ULFC Alum Buki.

This year’s premiere Legacy Partners for the event are Molson Coors and The Colorado Health Foundation. Additional Experience Partner sponsorships came from HomeSafe, PNC Bank, and the May Foundation.

This year’s honorees are:
2026 Living Legend Award
Dr. Albert Yates
Past President of CO State University

2026 Trailblazer Award
LaDawn Sullivan
Executive Director, Black Resilience in Colorado

2026 Unsung Hero and Inspirational Service Award
Thal Woods
Head Physical Education Department Chair at Manual High School

Dr. Michael Benitez
VP, Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Metropolitan State University of Denver

2026 Wellington Webb and Wilma Webb Leadership and Legacy Award
Bianka Emerson, JD
Colorado Black Women for Political Action

Dr. Nicole Monroe
Chief Probation Officer for Denver Juvenile Probation

Tonoa Manuel
SIYG Consulting, LLC

Quincy Shannon
Neighborhood Uplift

The ULFC logo features four attributes of Equity, Service, Ubuntu and Sankofa. Besides striving for fairness, justice and community service to others, the organization believes in ubuntu, an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. Sankofa roughly translates to “retrieve,” or learning lessons of the past as a key to building the future.

Since 2007, the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado has worked to develop leaders who create change in boardrooms, classrooms, government, business, nonprofits, and communities across Colorado. ULFC accounts for some 500 graduates and community leaders, more than $450,000 in scholarships, and has launched community service initiatives statewide.

For more information regarding ULFC please call 303-558-1050 or visit their web site at ulfcolorado.org