CHAIR

Hashim Coates is a Denver native, U.S. Navy veteran, and longtime political strategist who has spent over a decade driving progressive change and empowering marginalized communities across Colorado. A proven leader and organizer, he is committed to advancing racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and economic opportunity through bold, grassroots action and effective policy advocacy.

A graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Hashim has led and advised successful campaigns for leaders such as Congressman Jason Crow, Attorney General Phil Weiser, CU Regent Wanda James, and Representative Steven Woodrow. He previously served as Executive Director of Black Brown Red Badged, where he championed racial equity in Colorado’s cannabis industry.

Hashim has served on the Aurora Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee and was a featured commentator on “30 Minutes with Brother Jeff.” In 2024, he made history as the first openly gay Black man to run for Arapahoe County Commissioner. Though he did not win the primary, his campaign energized a diverse coalition and helped advance a bold, people-first vision for local government, encouraging people to live boldly and unapologetically. 

He co-hosted the podcast Dope Black Thoughts and continues to be a leading voice for inclusive, transparent, and justice-centered leadership. Hashim believes deeply in one guiding principle: we belong everywhere decisions are being made.

1st Vice Chair

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

TREASURER

She is a third-generation Denverite with Louisiana roots and a passionate advocate for community empowerment. She co-founded the Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs (SPIN), a giving circle of Black women advancing equity through philanthropy.

A graduate of Montbello High School, Shayla completed the Urban Leadership Foundation Connect program (2010) and Emerge Colorado’s candidate training (2019). She holds a BA from the University of Denver, pursued an MPP at CU Denver, and earned a Web Development certificate from Galvanize.

She serves as Treasurer for the Colorado Black Democrats and as a Precinct Captain for HD7(B). Shayla also sits on the Women Uprising board and the Racial Equity Council via the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation. Her civic engagement includes active membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Denver NAACP, Urban League Young Professionals, National Council of Negro Women, and Colorado Black Women for Political Action.

“You are alive, aren’t you? Well, so long as you have no grave, you are covered by the sky. No limit to your possibilities.” Zora Neale Hurston