A Journey Rooted in Social Change

Ailiana Denis’s professional journey is a testament to transformation and purpose. Today, as Principal Managing Director of Axia Amplified Consulting (an organization she founded), Ailiana leads organizations through social change from the inside out, moving beyond traditional organizational development toward what she calls organizational evolution. Her work focuses on rethinking priorities, shifting narratives, and creating norms that foster collaboration. Through facilitation, coaching, and training, Ailiana helps organizations evolve their decision-making and culture to align with equity and justice.

Like many of us, her path here was anything but linear. Ailiana began her career as a kindergarten teacher, before pivoting to working with a digital marketing startup in Washington, D.C. When talking about the journey to her current role, she jokes, “I now teach the grownups.” These experiences sparked a desire to work for the public good and led Aliana to the nonprofit world.

Her entry into the social sector came through AmeriCorps VISTA, where she supported legal aid programs and culture change initiatives. At the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, she coordinated programs, designed curriculum, and chaired the Race Equity Oversight Committee. She launched affinity groups and worked to ensure advocates and systems aligned with racial justice missions.

“My experience at AmeriCorps really gave me a front-row seat to so many organizations and an understanding of what resources they need. It was so clear from this experience and learning their stories, that they’re all hinging on the quality of the human experience inside these organizations.” This realization propelled her into consulting and ultimately to her current role, where she partners deeply with organizations to create lasting change.

Mentorship That Matters

When asked who supported her along the way, Ailiana names two women who shaped her leadership:

The first being Kimberly Merchant, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Center for Justice. Ailiana describes her leadership and mentorship as having an impact on her professional and personal development, she shares: “She taught me to be brave, how to have difficult conversations, and how to commit to doing the hard thing–even when it’s risky.” All of this would support and lead Ailiana to where she is today. She notes that Kimberly, “gave me a mind for developing other people. No matter how busy she [was], she listened and supported young women in their professional journeys.” All of this is evident and reflective in the leader and changemaker Ailiana is today.

The second mentor who Ailiana recalls is Ellen Hemley, the former VP at Shriver Center. Ailiana reflected on the fact that Ellen “walked the talk–when she offered me a full-time role, she knew I didn’t know how to negotiate and said, ‘OK, that’s not enough. Here’s what we’re actually going to give you.’” Ailiana’s relationship with Ellen supported her professional development and growth within the sector. Ailiana appreciated how Ellen acknowledged the power dynamics at play and ensured that she was creating the conditions for equity and power sharing in their relationship. Ailiana shares, “Ellen made space for folks to always give feedback and contribute, she gave freedom and autonomy.”

Finding Community Through CWIP

Like so many of us, Ailiana’s CWIP story began when a colleague encouraged her to attend an event back in 2017. Not long after, she joined the CWIP Emerging Leaders Program, connected with a mentor, and later joined CWIP’s Racial Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) Committee in 2019, before joining the board this year.

“CWIP has an amazing leadership development pipeline. You can show up at an event, get a mentor, join a committee, and eventually help lead and shape the organization. That makes CWIP special.” Ailiana’s advice for newcomers or those who just joined is to not think too hard about it and make a friend! She encourages everyone to join a committee, as “there’s something transformational when you give something.” As so many of us understand, the relationships within CWIP are impactful, and Ailiana shares, “they’re the most valuable part!”

What Inspires Her

People, and their courage, fuel Ailiana’s work. She recalls being inspired by Z Scott’s bold remarks at last year’s CWIP Annual Luncheon. In her speech, Z. Scott (President of Chicago State University) was full of hope and defiance, even amidst all the federal attacks on higher education. Aliana left the event with an important reminder: “Our future is not determined”. She reflects that despite all the challenges of this moment, one doesn’t feel so helpless when in community with people who can remind us of what is possible. Aliana was—and continues to be—inspired by people’s courage to think creatively and find new ways to use our collective power. She also remembers a recent RESJ event where CWIP members discussed ICE presence in Chicago and how communities are coming together to support vulnerable individuals and families. “One member reminded us that we’re ready for this moment and challenged us to think creatively. That courage inspires me.”

Joy and Looking Ahead

Outside of work, Ailiana finds joy in gathering with loved ones, dancing, and hosting friends. Movement helps her reconnect with her body after the hard thinking her work requires. She loves movies, recently saw Wicked, and jokes that the next CWIP event should be a Wicked watch party!

She’s also planning a New Year’s Future Work Retreat to help people collectively imagine life-affirming futures: “Only humans can imagine things that haven’t happened yet. That’s a power we’re supposed to steward. When you do it in community, it amplifies the potential to make it real.”

CWIP is thrilled to have Ailiana join the board and bring her passion and wealth of experience to the organization. She is a shining example of how CWIP can nurture and grow emerging leaders into change agents in our sector and world. We encourage you to follow Ailiana’s advice to make a friend and join a committee so that you can get the most out of your CWIP experience and build community with us.