Leadership Institute

Tampa Organization of Black Affairs

About the Leadership Institute

The mission of the TOBA Leadership Institute is to prepare and elevate leaders that can improve Black communities by focusing on an agenda that includes Political Action, Innovation, Community & Economic Development.

The vision of the TOBA Leadership Institute is to become a top producer of innovative business and community leaders who are focused on building and developing sustainable Black communities in the Tampa Bay area.

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2022

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2021

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2020

Gary Hartfield, Chair

Kari Knowles, Program Director

Rhiannon Ray, Committee Member

Jalem Robinson, Committee Member

Rhiannon Ray, Committee Member

TreBora Morales, Committee Member

Rickey Burns, Committee Member

C.T. Harris, Committee Member

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2020

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2021

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2022

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2023

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2024

TOBA Leadership Cohort 2025

Upcoming Events

TLI Virtual Meet and Greet

Connect with TLI alumni! Learn about the program, the benefits and the application process.

Wednesday, January 21st @ 6:30 PM

Join the TOBA Leadership Institute

Benefits of the Institute Include:

Professional Development
Leadership Training
Community Engagement
Networking Opportunities
Historical Insight on the Communities of Black Tampa

Program Timeline

The application will be open from December 12, 2025 – January 25, 2026 (midnight)
This institute requires a 4-month commitment, with meetings held bi-weekly from February 2026 – June 2026, with additional events throughout the year.
Application deadline is Sunday, January 25, 2026 at midnight.

Session Dates 2026

Session 1: Saturday, February 21
Session 2: Saturday, March 7
Session 3: Saturday, March 21
Session 4: Saturday, April 4
Session 5: Saturday, April 18
Session 6: Saturday, May 2
Session 7: Saturday, May 16
Session 8: Saturday, May 30
Project Presentation: Saturday, June 13
Graduation Ceremony: Saturday, June 27

Program Details

Basic Requirements:
- Attendance: No more than one missed session
- First session, last session, and final project presentations are mandatory.
- Please ensure all sections of application are completed before submission
- Interviews will be held in early February on Saturday and Sundays.
- Attendance at the Final Projects Ceremony is mandatory.
Session Schedule:
- Saturdays, from 10 AM – 3 PM
Target Audience:
- Black/African American Professionals
Tuition:
- $400 (due by the first session)
- Limited scholarships are available

Application Information

Once selected, each participant will be required to pay a non-refundable tuition fee of $400.00 by the first session February 21, 2026, Please email TOBA at tobatlitampa@gmail.com should you have any questions.

To graduate from the TOBA Leadership Institute program, participants are expected to attend all sessions (one excused absence is allowed). Having more than one unexcused absence will disqualify you from graduating from the program.

Attendance at the opening briefing session, final session, and final project presentations are mandatory to graduate. Participants with more than one unexcused absence will be dropped from the program without a refund of tuition.

A non-refundable processing fee of $50 is required with all applications and must be submitted online. The processing fee is payable via credit card at the end of the application.

TOBA Leadership Institute Final Project Presentation Highlights

Watch video highlights from our Cohort presentations.

Testimonials

“This has been a transformational experience for me. Through the program I have been able to have deep conversations, meet new people, create new partnerships, and I really believe this is part of my family. I know that together we can accomplish more.”

“I feel the debate and discussion sessions allowed me to stretch my thinking and ensure I could stand on my opinions not only with passion but also with facts.”

“Through TLI, I developed a richer understanding of the diverse influence black leaders are having in the growth and development of Tampa. It also helped me see that there is so much more to be done. I appreciated how TLI highlighted paths that were available for us to serve and get involved.”

"The TLI experience has been an eye-opening and empowering experience. It has taken leadership to another level providing opportunities to strengthen and support the needs of the Tampa Bay African American Community. I am forever grateful for the privilege and look forward to the opportunity to further serve the Tampa Bay Community."

“TLI really impacted my life and allowed me to assess what is for me to do in the black community. I tried politics and became the honorary mayor of Brandon. I tried non profit and worked for almost 3 years in a nonprofit. Today I am proud to say I am a minister at USF! What a difference 5 years can make.”

"The TOBA Leadership Institute empowered me to seek ways to make positive change in my personal and professional life. Each week was filled with amazing speakers and information that I use daily."