Meet Auontai Anderson | Chief Executive Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Auontai Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Auontai, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2017, at 18 years old, I embarked on an ambitious journey by running for the Denver School Board, becoming one of its youngest candidates. Despite not securing a seat initially, I was inspired by the encouragement of the students I taught in Northwest Denver to run again. In 2019, my perseverance paid off when I was elected, marking a historic moment as the youngest Black elected official in Colorado, serving the At-Large region on the Denver School Board.

My early years in office were challenging, primarily due to the absence of essential resources and mentorship for effective governance. It wasn’t until I joined the School Board Partners fellowship that I acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute significantly to our education system. Recognizing the importance of breaking this cycle for future School Board members across America, I founded the Center for Advancing Black Excellence in Education, where I serve as the Chief Executive Officer.

Our organizations mission is the following:

Our mission is grounded in the conviction that access to high-quality education is not just a right, but the foundation of thriving and resilient communities. We commit ourselves to disrupting the systems that cause educational disparities faced by Black students. Through this work, we will reimagine our K-12 education system and dismantle deeply rooted systems of oppression.

Our approach is multifaceted: we implement innovative programs that provide vital resources, steadfast support, and strong advocacy, all meticulously designed to cultivate and honor the innate potential within each student. Our work is built upon three core pillars – educating future leaders, advocating for systemic changes in education, and celebrating our communities through philanthropic giving.

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Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Reflecting on my journey, I am struck by the unique interweaving of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment that distinguishes my path. My dedication to dismantling systemic educational barriers for Black students not only sets me apart but fuels my daily endeavors. At the heart of my achievements lies the founding of the Center for Advancing Black Excellence in Education—a testament to my resolve to create lasting change in an area rife with challenges but abundant in potential for transformative impact.

What fills me with the most pride is not just the positions I’ve held or the accolades I’ve received, but the tangible, positive change I’ve been able to effect through relentless advocacy, innovative leadership, and a deep-seated belief in the power of education to uplift entire communities. My journey, marked by significant obstacles from the outset, required an extraordinary degree of perseverance, strategic ingenuity, and a capacity to remain undeterred by setbacks. The invaluable lessons learned—chief among them the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and relentless pursuit of one’s vision—have been my guiding principles.

Through my consultancy work with Good Trouble Consulting, I’ve championed progressive change, supporting candidates who share a vision for a more equitable society. This role highlights not only my expertise in communication and strategic planning but underscores my broader commitment to societal upliftment and justice.

The recognition I’ve received, including prestigious awards like the My Brother’s Keeper Award and the Education Trailblazer from the Colorado Black Caucus of School Board Directors, are not mere accolades but milestones that reflect the collective effort and support that have been pivotal in my journey.

I want the world to recognize in my story—a narrative of resilience, an unwavering commitment to justice, and an indomitable pursuit of educational excellence for all, especially those marginalized by systemic inequities. My journey exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have when driven by a clear, compassionate vision and a steadfast dedication to effecting meaningful change. My mission is not just to educate but to empower, not merely to lead but to transform, ensuring that education serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for equity and inclusion.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Denver’s Cultural Heartbeat Morning: Start with breakfast at a local spot like the Whittier Café, known for its African espresso and as a community gathering place supporting local artists and cultural events.
Afternoon: Explore the Five Points neighborhood, often referred to as the “Harlem of the West” for its historical significance in jazz. Visit the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center to learn about the African American men and women who helped settle and develop the West.
Evening: Dine at CoraFaye’s Café, a family-owned restaurant known for its soul food and homely atmosphere. Experience Denver’s jazz legacy with live music at Nocturne or The Roxy Denver in Five Points.

Day 2: Art and Community
Morning: Breakfast at a local café that champions community initiatives. Consider visiting a spot like the Sojourners Coffee & Tea, known for its cozy atmosphere and engagement with local issues.
Afternoon: Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and look out for exhibitions by Black artists. Stroll through the streets of RiNo (River North Art District) to admire street art by local Black artists.
Evening: Enjoy Caribbean-inspired dishes at A Taste of Haiti (or a similar eatery celebrating African or Caribbean heritage) and then check out the nightlife in the Rino Art District or catch a performance at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, looking out for productions by Black playwrights or about Black history.

Day 3: Educational Insights
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at a spot like Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen in the historic Five Points, known for its commitment to the community and authentic New York-style bagels.
Afternoon: Visit the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in Five Points, which offers a wealth of resources on African American history in the West. It also features galleries with exhibits on local Black history.
Evening: Have dinner at Welton Street Café or another local restaurant that celebrates Black cuisine. Spend the evening at a local event or venue that highlights Black culture, such as a poetry slam or a cultural festival if available.

Day 4: Natural Beauty and Reflection
Morning: Breakfast in the city, followed by a day trip to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, not only for its natural beauty but also to reflect on the performances by iconic Black artists who have graced its stage.
Afternoon: Picnic at City Park, near the Martin Luther King Jr. Monument, and discuss his impact and legacy. Explore the Denver Zoo or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, both located within the park.
Evening: Dine at an African-inspired restaurant like Axum Restaurant, offering Ethiopian cuisine. Wrap up the night with a visit to a local dessert spot or a quiet evening walk through the historic neighborhoods, reflecting on the rich cultural tapestry of Denver.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In reflecting on the myriad of influences in my life, I feel compelled to dedicate my shoutout to a pivotal figure—my grandmother. A remarkable educator with 35 years of dedicated service in Kansas City, Kansas, she not only mastered her profession but also imparted to me the transformative power of education.

From her, I absorbed the vital lesson of creating opportunities for the succeeding generations, understanding that the legacy of knowledge is the most enduring gift we can offer. As a Black woman navigating the educational landscape, she faced numerous challenges. Yet, her resilience in the face of adversity and her unwavering commitment to her students left an indelible mark on me. Her journey was far from easy, but her spirit was unbreakable, driven by a simple, yet profound motto: “each one, teach one.”

This principle has become a cornerstone of my own philosophy, guiding my efforts to ensure that every student has access to the doors of opportunity that education opens. My grandmother’s legacy is a testament to the impact one individual can have on countless lives, embodying the essence of mentorship, love, and support. It’s in her honor that I dedicate not just this shoutout, but my entire journey towards advancing educational equity and excellence. Her spirit fuels my commitment to breaking down barriers for the next generation, ensuring that the path of learning is accessible to all.

Website: https://www.advancingblackexcellence.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayandersonco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/auon%E2%80%99tai-m-anderson-3b1bbb13b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuontaiAnderson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvanceBlackEdu

Image Credits
Vince Chandler – VideoVinceChandler@gmail.com Brother Jeff – brotherjeff1@earthlink.net