Papa M. Dia

Papa M. Dia is Founder and Executive Director of the African Leadership Group, an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for African immigrants and members of the diaspora. Through social, economic, and educational programs, ALG helps families successfully integrate into their local communities. A native of Senegal, Papa immigrated to Denver in 1998. He used his first job at Tattered Cover Bookstore stocking books to teach himself how to read, write, and speak English. Papa secured an entry-level position at a local bank, and over the next 18 years, he climbed the ranks to become a regional vice president. He worked to make available to his fellow immigrants, financial resources that were not readily accessible to the immigrant community.

In 2017, Papa left his banking career to focus his full attention on running and growing ALG.