The African Leadership Group, a 15-year-old Aurora-based organization, welcomed local politicians and honored its volunteer of the year and other members at a gala last weekend at Noonan’s Event Center.

Pascal Koki, an immigrant from the Ivory Coast, works two jobs, including a night shift, on top of being a full-time student and mother of three, as well as volunteering for ALG’s community events.

“We are blessed as a community to have volunteers like Pascal,” Papa Dia, ALG’s president, said in a statement. “Her tireless work ethic and dedication is a reflection of the broader African immigrant community who came to this country to give not only their family a better life, but to help others rise as well. It is steadfast champions like Pascal that make Colorado a better place for everyone.”

The civic organization supports and advocates for the African immigrant community in Colorado. Numerous high-profile politicians were in attendance Saturday night, including state Sens. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Angela Williams, D-Denver, local District Attorney George Brauchler, who is running for attorney general, and Rep. Polly Lawrence, R-Roxborough Park, who is running for state treasurer.

The group said in a press releases that Brad Levine, a Democrat running for attorney general, and Jason Crow, a Democrat running for the 6th Congressional District seat, as well as several Aurora school board members also attended.

“Members of the kids debate program, which is focused on helping second generation immigrant children gain confidence and skills in public speaking and explore concepts from cultural appropriation to current events, were honored for their extraordinary skills, and possibly portending some of their future vocations, had a chance to grill some of the elected officials on hand about their knowledge of the African immigrant community,” ALG said in a press release.

The elected officials helped present diplomas to graduates of ALG’s public speaking class from Sudan, Senegal Kenya and Ghana.