Dr. Mordecai Received Education Advocate Award From the Colorado Men of Color Collaborative
🎉 Deeply Honored. Deeply Grateful. 🙏🏽
As various Juneteenth and Afrocentric celebrations echoed across Colorado over the past several days, honoring freedom, culture, and progress, I was humbled to receive the Education Advocate Award from the Colorado Men of Color Collaborative (CMOCC).
During my keynote, “One Vision, One Community: Strategy to Inspire Hope and Unity,” I reminded us that hope is not just an emotion but a strategy. Unity is not passive; it’s a choice we make daily.
Let us keep choosing unity, leading with purpose, and building what we’ve never seen but always needed.
Thank you to the CMCC for this incredible honor.
Standing room only. Students carrying chairs into the room just to listen.
Standing room only. Students carrying chairs into the room just to listen.
That’s what it looked like at today’s GlobalMindED Conference session, “Addressing Violence, Mental Health, and Addiction: Models of Hope, Healing and Transformation.”
The stigma surrounding mental health is real, but so is the growing hunger for truth, healing, and solutions.
Together with Kathryn L. Goetzke, MBA, Laura Green, and student advocate Darius Kendrick, we had the privilege of exploring how trauma, care, and community transformation intersect and what models of recovery and prevention look like when grounded in real hope.
What inspired me most? The students. The turnout. The passion. The urgency.
Mental health is not a niche issue—it’s a community issue. An education issue. A human issue. And the next generation is making it clear: we can’t afford to whisper about it any longer.
Celebrating Our Community College of Aurora Alumni
On behalf of the Community College of Aurora, I am extremely proud of you, Mr. Michael Bonsu. Michael recently graduated from our institution as a concurrently enrolled student. This past weekend, he received a scholarship from the Alpha Phi Alpha George E. Hailey Scholarship Endowment.
This fall, Michael will be attending American University. Congratulations, Michael! The best is yet to come for you and your family.
Brand New Episode is Now Available!
🎙️ Episode 26 of Discovering Your Mission w/ Dr. Mordecai is now live!
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Tonjua Williams, the first African American and female president of St. Petersburg College—a trailblazer whose leadership has transformed lives and communities across Florida.
Dr. Williams shares her incredible journey, from overcoming adversity to leading one of the nation’s most impactful community colleges. With nearly four decades of experience, she offers unmatched insight on what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, courage, and compassion.
In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The power of representation and resilience in leadership
✅ Her mission to break cycles of poverty and build generational change
✅ Advice for aspiring college presidents and bold changemakers
✅ Transformative programs for underrepresented students
✅ Why courage and compassion must walk hand in hand in leadership
From national recognition to community transformation, Dr. Williams is a force for good—and her story will inspire you to lead with purpose, no matter the obstacles.
🎧 Tune in to Episode 26 and discover what it truly means to lead with heart and transform through hope.
Watch now in the videos section!
Credit Union of Colorado CEO Phil Smith recognized for extraordinary leadership as board president of the Community College of Aurora Foundation
Gratitude. Leadership. Impact.
Recently, the Community College of Aurora had the honor of recognizing Phil Smith, CEO of Credit Union of Colorado, for his extraordinary leadership as board president of the Community College of Aurora Foundation.
Over the past three years, Phil has helped lead a philanthropic charge that resulted in:
✅ Nearly $4 million raised for scholarships and student priorities
✅ Over $17 million secured for critical capital projects
✅ More than $2 million awarded directly to students through scholarships and emergency assistance
These aren’t just investments in a college—they are investments in people, in potential, and in a more equitable future for Colorado families.
As president of CCA, I’ve witnessed firsthand how business and industry leaders can shape the trajectory of student lives when they choose to lead with purpose. Phil’s servant leadership reminds me that when business and education work together, the possibilities are transformational.
Thank you, Phil, for believing in our mission and modeling what it looks like to lead with heart and vision.
Let’s keep building. Together.
The City of Commerce City and Community College of Aurora Partner to Remove Barriers to Career Pathways Thanks to Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career
As part of their commitment to the region’s shared goal of helping 71,000 more young people reach economic and social mobility, the City Government of Commerce City and the Community College of Aurora (CCA)—both proud Target Champions—are teaming up to remove barriers and expand access to career pathways for local residents.
The Commerce City Promise is a transformative initiative offering free, short-term credential programs to all Commerce City residents through a partnership between the City of Commerce City and the Community College of Aurora (CCA). This program aims to eliminate common barriers such as cost and access, enabling residents to pursue meaningful career paths in high-demand industries.
Key Features:
• No-Cost Training: Residents can access credential programs in sectors like information technology, construction, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
• Automatic Enrollment: Any Commerce City resident accepted into an eligible CCA program is automatically enrolled in the Commerce City Promise—no additional application or cost required.
• Support Services: Participants receive support through CCA’s education and career services and the city’s Community Well-Being Division.
Funded through the city’s Advancing Commerce City Together (ACT) initiative, which utilizes federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, this program is designed to meet the needs of Commerce City’s growing business community while investing in residents' futures.
Learn more: https://www.redefiningcommerce.com/living-lifestyle/workforce-pathway/commerce-city-promise
Congressman Jason Crow Talks Workforce and Legislative Bipartisanship at CCA Town Hall
AURORA, Colo. — The Community College of Aurora was pleased to host Congressman Jason Crow for a recent town hall event where the congressman discussed his work in Washington, D.C., and took questions from attendees.
CCA students, faculty, and staff participated in the conversation, during which Congressman Crow spoke on topics ranging from CCA’s frontline efforts in workforce development to his ongoing work crafting bipartisan legislation alongside colleagues from both sides of the political aisle.
Congressman Crow said he chose CCA for this town hall in part because of the college’s strong role in serving underserved communities, a population he said he prioritizes and advocates for in Congress.
“Nearly 20 percent of my constituents were born outside the United States, and over 130 languages are spoken in this district,” Crow said. “There is nothing I take more seriously than protecting my constituents. And if people come after our families, our children, and our neighbors, they have to go through me.”
Congressman Crow, who has represented Colorado’s 6th Congressional District since 2019, said he reached out to CCA to engage in dialogue with college personnel who work directly with many underserved populations, including undocumented families and individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
CCA President Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee welcomed Congressman Crow with opening remarks, saying the event offered a valuable opportunity to spotlight issues important to the institution. He also praised the congressman’s ongoing outreach and commitment to the community.
Dr. Brownlee thanked Crow for his support in securing federal funding for the college and noted his continued advocacy for additional resources.
“To have this time with our congressman speaks volumes about how he values the Community College of Aurora,” Dr. Brownlee said.
During the event, Congressman Crow answered a range of questions from the audience, discussing his legislative accomplishments and providing insight into how he works across the aisle, highlighting his reputation as one of Congress’s most successful bipartisan lawmakers.
CCA stands as a strong example of Congressman Crow’s priorities in action. The college continues to lead Colorado in workforce development, with several new initiatives aimed at preparing students for careers in high-demand technical and healthcare fields.
This fall, CCA will open the new Center for Applied Science and Technology, as well as the Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders. These facilities will offer students hands-on training in critical sectors of Colorado’s economy.
To learn more about how CCA is advancing career-focused education in Colorado, visit https://ccaurora.edu. For a list of Congressman Crow’s legislative priorities, visit https://crow.house.gov/.
Brand New Article is Now Available!
As leaders, educators, and citizens—we must confront a growing question: Are we still the moral stewards our students and communities need us to be?
In my latest piece for Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, Dr. Mordecai explores the shift happening across campuses nationwide. Where political polarization, institutional fear, and the erosion of shared values are changing the very fabric of higher learning.
This article is not an indictment—it's a call to awareness. A call to courage. A call to lead with conviction, across political lines, and above all, with purpose.
Read more in the Published section or watch the video in the Videos section.
Dr. Mordecai Becomes Founding Member of the American Association of Consulting and Coaching (AHECC)
This week, we're excited to feature Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, a consultant and executive coach empowering leaders to navigate complex change through equity, courage, and strategic insight.
Mordecai works with colleges, nonprofits, and professional networks to:
-Facilitate equity-driven strategic planning
-Deliver keynotes and workshops on access, innovation, and leadership
-Coach executives and teams toward inclusive, values-aligned growth
-Develop leadership pipelines rooted in authenticity and impact
With an approach that blends real-world leadership experience with engaging delivery, Mordecai helps organizations move from intention to transformation.
Learn more and connect with Mordecai at itsdrmordecai.com
Connect with higher education consulting and coaching leaders like Mordecai: ahecc.org/join
Dr. Mordecai to Speak at The Colorado Men of Color Collaborative (CMOCC) 2nd Annual Summer White Affair
The Colorado Men of Color Collaborative (CMOCC) is excited for our 2nd Annual Summer White Affair! This exclusive summer gathering is designed to bring together Colorado’s most dynamic leaders, professionals, and changemakers for a night to remember.
Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion
Dress Code: All-white attire encouraged—let’s set the scene with elegance and unity.
🌟 Why You Can’t Miss This:
Step into the historic beauty of the Governor’s Residence and be surrounded by mission-driven visionaries who are shaping the future of Colorado. This is your chance to build powerful connections, celebrate our collective impact, and elevate your network in an atmosphere that blends sophistication with purpose. We will also be honoring several organizations for their extraordinary work within our community!
- Nonprofit Organzation of the Year
- Emerging Organization of the Year
- STEM/STEAM Community Partner Award
- Emerging Leader Award
🎤 Special Guest Speaker:
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora! A nationally recognized voice in higher education and a fierce advocate for equity and innovation, Dr. Brownlee will deliver a message that will ignite your passion and inspire your path forward.
🤝 Sponsorships Available:
Is your organization committed to equity, representation, and real impact? Let’s partner and amplify the movement together.
🔗 RSVP & Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gHHVnrZ6
📧 Questions? Reach out at contact@cmocc.org
Let’s show up all white, all purpose, all community.
Daphne Brownlee Graduates From Leadership Aurora
Recently, Dr. Mordecai celebrated his bride, Daphne, and her completion of a 10-month leadership development program tailored specifically for the community of Aurora, Colorado. Congratulations, Daphne!
What Happened After This College Discontinued 30 Programs? More Faculty. Better Jobs. Higher Student Completion. Jobs for the Future Shares the Story.
When I became president of the Community College of Aurora, I knew bold change was necessary, but I also knew fear could stop us before we ever got started.
As an institution, we made the difficult decision to discontinue 30 outdated academic programs. But before we did, I had one job: remove the fear. Our faculty needed to know their value wouldn’t be lost in the change—it would be reimagined. And once fear was off the table, innovation walked in the door. TOGETHER, our institution was able to:
- Grow our faculty ranks.
- Launch workforce-relevant programs.
- Increase student enrollment.
- Improve student upward economic mobility.
This is what happens when you lead with courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to students. We are grateful to Jobs for the Future (JFF) for spotlighting our story and for creating space to explore how institutions across the country are redefining the future of work and learning.
Join JFF at the 2025 Horizons Summit in New Orleans to be part of the movement.
Late registration is now open: https://horizons.jff.org/annual-summit/registration
https://youtu.be/Y-Qq0ZrXHHM
Brand New Episode is Now Available!
In this conversation, Dr. Mordecai interviews Erika Liodice, the executive director of AFIT, discussing her mission to empower changemakers in higher education. Erika shares her professional journey from marketing to leading AFIT, emphasizing the importance of accessible innovation, collaboration, and listening to the needs of educators. She offers valuable insights on navigating challenges in the education sector, the significance of infusing joy into work, and overcoming creative blocks. The discussion concludes with Erika's excitement for the future of AFIT and the collaborative opportunities ahead.
Head over to the video section to watch!
Brownlee Family Presented With Colorado State Flag by Colorado Freedom Memorial
This morning, my heart was deeply moved as the Colorado Freedom Memorial honored me and my family with a presentation of the Colorado flag. Standing on sacred ground dedicated to those who gave everything for our freedoms and receiving such a gesture was an honor.
Our children were also named Honorary Colorado Silver Air Patrolmen, a recognition that will stay with them forever and instill the values of service, sacrifice, and pride.
Thank you to the Colorado Freedom Memorial for this unforgettable honor. From our family to yours, thank you. It is an honor to serve this community.
Highlight Video Includes Dr. Mordecai's Keynote Address at Houston ISD's "For Teachers, By Teachers - Literacy and Social Studies Conference"
Thank you, Houston Independent School District!
Meeting the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor
I am grateful to the Colorado Business Roundtable for arranging a powerful opportunity to connect with Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and her team.
I was honored to share how community colleges, like the Community College of Aurora, are not just educational institutions—we are economic engines, opportunity builders, and the frontline of workforce development in this country.
From skilled trades to emerging industries, we prepare learners of all backgrounds to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. But to continue doing so effectively, we must expand access, which means sustained investment in Pell Grants, especially the approval of Workforce/Short-Term Pell.
This is more than policy. It’s about people. It’s about unlocking upward economic mobility in every zip code.
Thank you, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, for listening and for recognizing the vital role of our nation’s community colleges.
Embracing the Future of Work: A Moment of Purposeful Dialogue
I had the distinct honor of moderating a powerful panel at the Colorado Business Roundtable’s Future of Work: Looking Around Corners convening. The event gathered changemakers, executives, and forward-thinkers committed to shaping Colorado’s economic future—through innovation, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Our panel discussion explored the dynamic shifts in workforce expectations, the evolution of leadership in a post-pandemic economy, and the emerging technologies that are rewriting the rules of engagement between education, business, and community development. From AI to equity, from talent pipelines to organizational agility, the conversation was as timely as it was transformative.
I’m incredibly grateful to President Debbie Brown and the COBRT team for entrusting me with this opportunity. They could have chosen anyone to guide the dialogue—but they chose me, and I do not take that lightly. The feedback, energy, and insight shared by the audience affirmed that our collective work is making a difference.
As we look around corners toward the future, one thing remains clear: we must keep convening, listening, and boldly leading.
Let’s keep building.
Brand New Article is Now Available!
“The urgency is at an all-time high for institutions to properly align their institutional strategy, ensuring a strong return on investment (ROI) for learners, educators, and stakeholders alike.”
Read more at: https://www.diverseeducation.com/opinion/article/15744446/from-policy-to-budget-cuts-the-urgent-fiscal-realty-higher-education-must-prepare-for-now
Advocating at the Nation's Capital for Workforce Pell
