RISING LEADERSHIP COLLABORATIVE
The Rising Leadership Collaborative (RLC) is a grassroots group of dedicated community leaders working to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals in Aurora, Denver, and surrounding areas by advancing equity in education, healthcare, safety, and economic development. Founded in 2014, the RLC emerged as an initiative in partnership with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) to represent and empower individuals, particularly those from under-served communities. By working collectively to identify pressing issues, organize educational events, and drive community-led change, the RLC strives to empower those in greatest need. The council is made up of a diverse membership, including young professionals, parents, older adults, and leaders from local congregations.
For more information or to get involved, contact:
Gabriela Jacobo, Program Director
Nicolás Cusi, Program Coordinator and Community Connector
Email: rlc-community@cuanschutz.edu
Phone: (303) 724-5395
| RLC Initiatives |
In 2024, the Resident Leadership Council (RLC) underwent a transformative shift, emerging as the Rising Leadership Collaborative (RLC), a name that better reflects its mission of empowering grassroots leaders and fostering collective action. This change was driven by the community leaders’ commitment to expanding its reach, strengthening community-led initiatives, and reinforcing its identity as a collaborative force for equity and social change.
The new name underscores the organization’s evolution from a resident-focused group to a dynamic leadership cooperative, where members actively shape policies, drive systemic change and build sustainable solutions in partnership with institutions and local stakeholders. Throughout the year, the Rising Leadership Cooperative deepened its engagement with the Aurora and Denver communities, tackling issues such as public safety, restorative justice, mental health, and leadership development, while continuing to cultivate strong relationships with city leaders, school officials, and law enforcement agencies.
The Rising Leadership Cooperative (RLC) began 2024 by building on the momentum of the 2023 Community Action Meeting, where significant commitments were made by City of Aurora, Aurora Public Schools, and Aurora Police Department representatives to address pressing concerns related to youth violence, public safety, culturally competent policing, and mental health. The year started with a strategic focus on strengthening leadership development, expanding community collaborations, and deepening engagement with policymakers and institutional partners. The RLC’s 2023 Learning Sessions and Community Academies were developed to address concerns brought up in conversations that took place during the winter 2021-22 Connection Campaign, 2022 Community Academies, and the spring 2023 Community Action Meeting.
The new name underscores the organization’s evolution from a resident-focused group to a dynamic leadership cooperative, where members actively shape policies, drive systemic change and build sustainable solutions in partnership with institutions and local stakeholders. Throughout the year, the Rising Leadership Cooperative deepened its engagement with the Aurora and Denver communities, tackling issues such as public safety, restorative justice, mental health, and leadership development, while continuing to cultivate strong relationships with city leaders, school officials, and law enforcement agencies.
The Rising Leadership Cooperative (RLC) began 2024 by building on the momentum of the 2023 Community Action Meeting, where significant commitments were made by City of Aurora, Aurora Public Schools, and Aurora Police Department representatives to address pressing concerns related to youth violence, public safety, culturally competent policing, and mental health. The year started with a strategic focus on strengthening leadership development, expanding community collaborations, and deepening engagement with policymakers and institutional partners. The RLC’s 2023 Learning Sessions and Community Academies were developed to address concerns brought up in conversations that took place during the winter 2021-22 Connection Campaign, 2022 Community Academies, and the spring 2023 Community Action Meeting.
Our Model
All cooperative members receive business incubation services in collaboration with key community partners, which include an individual business plan curriculum, a customized learning path, cooperative training, marketing coaching, and access to nutritionists, among others.
Becoming a Member
Becoming an El Alba Cooperative member requires completing our 12-month incubator program – an exciting journey for you and your business!
We offer comprehensive start-up supports for Aurora-based food entrepreneurs and are seeking small operations that will benefit greatly from engaging with our model.
If you are interested in learning about the requirements to become an El Alba Cooperative member, please complete this inquiry form, and one of our program managers will reach out to you.
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