President Anette Bowser
2023- Present
Message from the President
I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you as the President of Urban League Young Professionals of Metro Denver (ULYPMD). It is an honor to lead this dynamic and passionate group, and I am excited about the incredible journey that lies ahead.
Allow me to introduce myself. I have had the privilege of serving on the Executive Leadership Team for three years, holding the position of Secretary under two remarkable presidents. My journey with the National Urban League has been rich and fulfilling, marked by participation in various programs and cohorts. I am humbled to share that I was awarded the Young Professional of the Year from ULMD, a testament to our collective dedication and impact.
In essence, you are in good hands, and together, we are poised to make an even greater difference in the Denver Metro area. This year, ULYPMD is embarking on a mission to amplify our impact through a renewed focus on community service and active leadership. Our commitment extends to intentionally circulate the dollar within the Black Community to foster economic empowerment. Additionally, we are dedicated to enhancing the professional development of our members, ensuring that each of you has the tools and support needed to achieve your goals.
My vision for ULYPMD is deeply rooted in my passion for community, education, and financial stability. I am committed to merging this passion with my responsibility to the Denver Metro area and the Urban League. Together, we will create a powerful force for positive change and lasting impact.
As we step into the future, let us celebrate the rich history and strength of our organization. ULYPMD has been a beacon of empowerment for years, and it is our collective responsibility to carry that torch forward, lighting the way for generations to come.
I encourage each of you to bring your unique talents, perspectives, and ideas to the table. Our strength lies in our diversity, and through collaboration, we will achieve extraordinary results.
Thank you for being a part of ULYPMD. Get ready for a year filled with growth, service, and transformative experiences. Together, we will build a legacy that inspires and uplifts.
Here's to an incredible journey ahead!
Yours In The Movement,
Anette Bowser, Servant Leader
About us
The National Urban League’s history goes back to 1910 and was established to help train black social workers, and worked in various other ways to bring educational and employment opportunities to blacks. Its research into the problems blacks faced in employment opportunities, recreation, housing, health and sanitation, and education spurred the League's quick growth.
The Denver Metro Urban League was established in 1946 for the purpose of promoting the attainment of economic and social self-reliance among poor and disadvantaged African Americans. As one of 114 affiliates of the National Urban League, the agency serves as a liaison between the business community, city and county governments and other community-based organizations that share its concern for the welfare of the economically disadvantaged in Denver.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s, several Urban League affiliates recognized the need to prepare a new generation of young leaders to take the mantle of leadership of the civil rights movement. Young African American men and women in their 20’s and 30’s were invited to participate in and take an active leadership role in their local Affiliate Urban League programs and activities. The National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) was unveiled at the 1999 National Urban League Annual Conference in Houston, TX.
The Young Professionals auxiliary was started in Denver in 2006 to give young professionals support, access, and a community of camaraderie. We pride ourselves on community service and community engagement and try to keep our membership active in uplifting the community. The mission of the ULYPMD is to engage young professionals in the Urban League Movement towards the achievement of social and economic equality.
We support the goals of the National Urban League by serving our community and developing our members through mentoring, community service/volunteering, scholarships, economic development, political action, and leadership development.
The ULYPMD has had 7 presidents since its inception. Michael Hancock, Sean Bradley, Eddie Koen Jr, Quincy Shannon, Charles S. Gilford III, Brandon Bruce, Ashlee Wedgeworth.
ULYPMD is an organization that believes in community, service, economic empowerment, and uplifting the next generation. Under the leadership of former President Eddie Koen, ULYPMD was able to win the 2013 National Day of Service award from the National Urban League. This set the tone for what our organization means to our community. In 2019 under the Leadership of President Brandon Bruce the Denver Urban League Young Professional's won the Western Regional Emerging Chapter of the Year Award from the National Urban League.
They continue to serve the Denver metro area with the motto WE’VE GOT NOW so GET EMPOWERED.