Hope in Action, power in Community

Featuring Shawn Dove - Founding CEO of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement

Shawn Dove is the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA), the nation's largest membership organization dedicated to improving the life outcomes of Black men and boys. Under his leadership, CBMA has grown into a powerful national movement, uniting over 5,200 leaders and 2,700 organizations committed to advancing Black male achievement through advocacy, policy change, and community empowerment.

Raised in New Jersey, Shawn Dove's early life was shaped by the challenges and triumphs of his community. A pivotal moment in his youth was overcoming personal struggles with substance abuse, a journey that led him to recovery and ignited his passion for service and leadership. This transformation fueled his commitment to creating opportunities for others facing similar challenges.

Dove earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wesleyan University and later graduated from Columbia University's Business School Institute for Not-for-Profit Management. His academic background laid the foundation for his future endeavors in nonprofit leadership and community development

In 2008, Shawn Dove joined the Open Society Foundations to launch CBMA, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the systemic issues affecting Black men and boys. Under his visionary leadership, CBMA has become a catalyst for change, establishing the field of Black Male Achievement and influencing national policies and initiatives. Dove played a key role in the formation of the White House's My Brother's Keeper initiative and brokered partnerships that led to the launch of New York City's Young Men's Initiative.

His leadership philosophy centers on the belief that those most affected by injustice must be at the forefront of creating solutions. This approach has empowered countless individuals and organizations to take action and drive systemic change.

Shawn Dove's advocacy focuses on dismantling the barriers that hinder the success of Black men and boys. Through CBMA, he has facilitated the creation of the nation's first Black Male Achievement fellowship for social entrepreneurs in partnership with Echoing Green. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the formation of Cities United, a national strategy aimed at eliminating violent deaths of Black men and boys in over 50 cities..

His work has led to the investment of over $320 million in national and local funds to advance Black male achievement, impacting millions through storytelling, research, and community engagement.

Shawn Dove's work is one of commitment to justice, equity, and empowerment. Through his leadership of CBMA and his broader advocacy efforts, he has reshaped the landscape of Black male achievement in America. His work continues to inspire a new generation of leaders dedicated to creating lasting change and building a more inclusive society.

Expanding the Table for Change

Featuring Deborah Richardson - Executive Director of ACLU Colorado

Deborah Richardson is a pioneering leader and fierce advocate for civil rights and social justice. As the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado, she guides efforts to protect and expand civil liberties across the state. Her work centers on empowering marginalized communities, advancing racial and gender equity, and fostering systemic change to build a more just society.

Born and raised in Atlanta’s historic Collier Heights, a community renowned for African American middle-class achievement, Deborah was immersed early in a culture of activism and resilience. Growing up amid the legacy of the civil rights movement, and with parents who were deeply involved in social justice efforts, she was “volunteered” as one of the first Black students to integrate Atlanta Public Schools. This formative experience, coupled with her family’s guiding principle that her struggles were “about something bigger than you,” shaped her lifelong dedication to justice. Deborah’s early career in nonprofit leadership further solidified her commitment to serving those most impacted by inequality.

In her current role as Executive Director of ACLU Colorado, Deborah made history as the first African American to lead the organization in its seven-decade history. Her visionary leadership is marked by inclusivity and community engagement, exemplified by launching “Expanding the Table for Justice,” a statewide listening tour that brought Coloradans together to address critical civil liberties challenges. She approaches leadership with empathy, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in the power of grassroots voices. Under her stewardship, the ACLU of Colorado has broadened its reach and deepened its impact on key social justice issues.

Deborah’s advocacy spans a wide array of causes, including combating human trafficking, supporting vulnerable women and children, and fighting racial and gender injustice. She founded the International Human Trafficking Institute and Angela’s House, the first safe house east of the Mississippi for sexually exploited girls, demonstrating her commitment to tangible, life-saving solutions. Her efforts have influenced public policy, informed legislation, and built coalitions across sectors to promote equity. Deborah’s work has transformed countless lives, providing shelter, hope, and a voice to those too often overlooked.

Beyond her primary role, Deborah has testified before Congress, advised on public policy reforms, and participated in numerous boards and coalitions dedicated to civil rights and human dignity. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Power to Inspire Award, the Liberty Bell Award, the Trailblazer Award, and the Honorable Dr. Menola Upshaw Lifetime Achievement Award, affirming her national and local influence. Her peers and the communities she serves view her as a trailblazer and a compassionate leader who embodies the spirit of justice.

Deborah Richardson’s vision is one of courage, transformative leadership, and heartfelt service. Through her decades of dedication, she has reshaped the landscape of civil rights advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on Colorado and beyond. Her work continues to inspire countless activists, leaders, and everyday citizens committed to justice. As she advances her mission, Deborah’s leadership remains a beacon, lighting the way toward a more equitable and inclusive world.