A Legacy Rooted in Vision and Possibility
Five years ago, AALI was just an idea — a dream shared between two community leaders, Heath Donell Creech and BiNi Coleman. Together, they envisioned a space where African American leaders across Greater Austin could gather, learn, and grow — a place where leadership looked like all of us.
What began as a seed of possibility has grown into a thriving movement — one that has inspired hundreds of leaders, strengthened communities, and transformed the landscape of Black leadership in Central Texas.
Heath’s belief in this mission was unwavering. He understood that leadership flourishes when opportunity meets access — and that too often, access is where many talented individuals are left behind.
Honoring Heath’s Legacy Through Opportunity
Access to Scholarship
To honor Heath’s memory and his lifelong commitment to creating pathways for others, the Heath Donell Creech Scholarship Fund was established to ensure that access never stands in the way of opportunity.
Community Building
This fund will provide partial scholarships for future AALI fellows with demonstrated financial need, helping emerging leaders step into spaces of growth, connection, and influence — regardless of circumstance.
Leadership Development
Every contribution helps expand access to the AALI Fellowship experience, allowing more Black leaders to rise, lead boldly, and continue building the legacy that Heath helped ignite.
A Ripple of Impact
Each scholarship opens doors for a fellow, for their organization, and for our community.
Your support doesn’t just fund a program; it invests in transformation. It helps a leader:
Step confidently into rooms where representation matters.
Build lasting relationships that strengthen our city.
Drive meaningful change across sectors
When you give, you help carry forward Heath’s vision of equity, access, and collective empowerment.
Your gift — whether $50, $500, or $5,000 — helps us open the door a little wider for the next generation of leaders.
Together, we can ensure that Heath’s legacy of belief, opportunity, and community continues to grow.
Join Us in Honoring Heath’s Legacy
A Note on Scholarship Availability
AALI is committed to supporting Fellows with demonstrated financial need; however, scholarship assistance is limited based on the resources available. Incoming Fellows may apply for support, but approval is not guaranteed. Awards are granted on a case-by-case basis and dependent on availability at the time of review.
Thank you to
our Donors
Albert Swatner
Amy Cobb
Andrew Miller
Angela Shaw
Colette Pierce Burnette
Dayne Cannon
Durell Coleman
Erica Knox
Joyce James
Kellee Coleman
Kimberely Willis
Latosha & LeDetrick Leonard
Michael Crowl
Tai Black
Terry Thomas
Tony Prenger
Zen Van Loan
About Heath Donell Creech
Heath Donell Creech was more than a co-founder — he was a visionary, a connector, and a true believer in the power of people. His legacy lives on in every fellow who dares to lead, every conversation that sparks change, and every bridge built through AALI’s work.
To learn more about his life and legacy, visit heathdonellcreech.com.
Transforming Lives. Strengthening Community. One Fellow at a Time.
