FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minneapolis, MN—January 14, 2025—The African American Leadership Forum is excited to welcome Dara Beevas as its new Chief Narrative Officer (CNO). A visionary leader in storytelling, publishing, and community transformation, Beevas steps into this pivotal role to amplify Black voices and craft transformative narratives that actualize liberation for Black communities in Minnesota and beyond.

Beevas joins The Forum’s leadership team, working alongside Adair Mosley, CEO; Shanaya Dungey, Chief Operating Officer; and Eric Moore, Chief Insights & Innovations Officer, who joined The Forum last August. Together, this dynamic team is championing bold, Black-centered solutions and building a prosperous, equitable future for Black Minnesotans.

With over two decades of experience, Beevas is an accomplished storyteller and entrepreneur. As the co-founder and chief strategic officer of Wise Ink Media, she has guided, mentored, and published thousands of authors, particularly from underrepresented communities, in bringing their voices and visions to the world. Her book, The Indie Author Revolution, established her as a thought leader in democratizing publishing and inspiring creators to leverage their stories as tools for transformation and social change.

In her role as Chief Narrative Officer, Beevas will lead The Forum’s efforts to celebrate and elevate the stories of Black leaders, innovators, and communities while championing the powerful policy advocacy of The Forum. She will develop strategies to position storytelling as a catalyst for cultural transformation, collective power, and systemic progress.

“Storytelling is an act of liberation, an anchor to our heritage, and a bridge to possibility,” Beevas shared. “I am honored to join the African American Leadership Forum in this transformative work to center our voices, celebrate our brilliance, and envision a bold and equitable future for Black Minnesotans.”

Adair Mosley, CEO of The Forum, expressed his enthusiasm about Beevas’ arrival.

“Dara’s expertise and passion for storytelling are a perfect match for The Forum’s mission. Her work will deepen the impact of our vision to advance Black-centered policies and solutions that shape a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable future.”

The Forum draws inspiration from the Afrofuturism movement, embracing the rich heritage of Black communities while imagining limitless possibilities for the future. The Forum commits to achieving true liberation for Black Minnesotans through innovation, resource empowerment, and community-centered solutions.

With Beevas’ leadership, The Forum is poised to create a new narrative landscape—one that reflects the resilience, creativity, and boundless potential of African American communities in the Twin Cities.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dara Beevas
dara@aalftc.org