In a move that signals an exciting new chapter for Black leadership and narrative power in Minnesota, the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) has appointed Dara Beevas as its new Chief Executive Officer — a leader whose journey blends entrepreneurial grit, cultural storytelling, and transformative innovation.
Beevas steps into the CEO role following the transition of former CEO Adair Mosley, who now leads the GroundBreak Coalition. The Forum’s board selected Beevas to ensure continuity of mission and momentum, trusting her creative vision to guide the organization through an era of strategic growth and sustained impact.
“Dara’s leadership during this transition gives The Forum clarity and confidence as we uphold our vision of Black economic liberation and systemic change,” said the board in a statement announcing her appointment.
A narrative strategist turned organizational leader
Beevas initially joined The Forum as its Chief Narrative Officer in January 2025, where her formal mandate was to shape and elevate the stories of Black leaders, innovators, and community change-makers — positioning storytelling not just as communication, but as a catalyst for cultural transformation and collective power.
Her promotion to CEO marks a significant evolution in her leadership arc. It affirms the growing recognition that narrative strategy — when grounded in authentic community experience — is central to public policy influence, civic power, and systemic progress.
“Storytelling is an act of liberation, an anchor to our heritage, and a bridge to possibility,” Beevas said upon her initial appointment — words that have come to define her leadership philosophy.
Entrepreneurship as cultural transformation
Long before her Forum leadership role, Beevas built a reputation as an entrepreneurial force in publishing and narrative empowerment. She is a co-founder and strategic architect of Wise Ink Creative Publishing, a boutique independent publisher she launched with a mission to democratize publishing and amplify underrepresented voices.
Under her leadership at Wise Ink, Beevas helped guide thousands of authors, thought leaders, and cultural innovators to bring their stories to audiences around the world — with a particular focus on creators from historically marginalized communities.
Her entrepreneurial work extends beyond business mechanics to cultural impact. Through Wise Ink, she helped authors harness storytelling as a tool for social change — from memoirs that shape public discourse to anthologies that center Black joy and liberation.
Beevas is also the author of The Indie Author Revolution, a widely respected guide for independent authors navigating the publishing landscape — a testament to her thought leadership in guiding others to become storytellers, entrepreneurs, and agents of influence.
Lifelong development and cultural influence
Her trajectory reflects deep commitment to personal and professional development. Beevas holds a master’s degree in publishing and has been recognized as both an emerging writer by the Givens Foundation for African American Literature and a 2017-2019 Bush Foundation Fellow, where she further sharpened her leadership capacity and strategic vision.
Her influence also extends into cultural and educational spaces. Beevas frequently speaks on the power of narrative, Afrofuturism, and collective imagination, exploring how communities can shape future realities through stories that reflect their heritage and aspirations.
Leading with story, strategy, and vision
As CEO, Beevas inherits The Forum’s mandate to confront racial inequity and drive systemic change across economic opportunity, education, health, public safety, and community investment. Her appointment symbolizes a growing recognition that effective leadership today requires both strategic governance and cultural imagination — and that stories are among the most powerful levers for equitable transformation.
“I am honored to lead this organization in shaping a bold, equitable future for Black Minnesotans,” Beevas said, signaling her commitment to forward-looking leadership rooted in community power and creative agency.
With Beevas at the helm, The Forum will continue to expand its impact — uniting research, policy, narrative strategy, and community innovation to build a thriving and equitable ecosystem where Black voices are elevated and possibilities are limitless.
