Denver, CO, December 19, 2025 – After a 35-year career dedicated to service, leadership, and lifting communities closest to opportunity, AYA Foundation CEO Benny Samuel shares a heartfelt farewell. In this final reflection, she looks back on her journey—from arriving in the U.S. as a teenager to serving Colorado with intention and love—and offers wisdom, gratitude, and hope for what comes next.
Good people of Colorado,
As I prepare to close out a 35-year career—four of those years with AYA Foundation—I want to share a few reflections from the heart.
I came to this country at seventeen, in pursuit of an education that might open doors to opportunity. For this immigrant, it did. Colorado became my other home, and this community gave me more than I could have imagined—belonging, purpose, and the privilege of meaningful work.
It did not take me long to realize that what I wanted to do with my time, energy, and knowledge was to lift humankind. Growing up in a modest household in a developing country shaped that calling. It led me to focus my work on those living furthest from opportunity—and that was the best professional decision I ever made.
Over the years, I have served young mothers, the uninsured, families, men, and women. Most recently, I had the honor of supporting the brilliance, resilience, and drive of Colorado’s Black entrepreneurs. To the entrepreneurs, partners, donors, and supporters I worked alongside—thank you. I learned deeply from you, especially during these past four years.
My career has been intentional: what work I did, when, where, and on behalf of whom. I live intentionally, and that choice has served me well.
If I leave you with anything, let it be this: stay curious, keep your heart and your mind open; play hard and work hard—don’t wait to play. Do what you can for this world, from where you are, and with what you have. Don’t wait to give. And remember that giving takes many forms. Lead with LOVE!
In retirement, I look forward to learning new things—to sew, to dance Kizomba, and to discover whatever comes next. I will spend more time writing and storytelling, mentoring, volunteering, and being outdoors. I’m excited to ski on weekdays with my husband, John, take an unapologetic midday nap, and get lost for hours in my little garden. I feel a deep sense of completion. Now it is time to do other things, in new ways
My final reflective advice: grow as a human. Stay open to the world and all it has to offer. Believe that possibility exists for you—and work to make it more accessible for others.
I am not going far, and I am always good for a walk, a hike or a “board meeting” on a paddle board. Reach out on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook, and we’ll take it from there to stay connected. If you are curious, keep an eye out for some of my writing on Medium.
Thank you, Colorado, for the opportunity to serve. Supporting this community has been a joy.
You are in good hands with Lynnette White-Colin at the helm. I am excited for Colorado.
Sending you all my LOVE!
Benny
ABOUT THE AYA FOUNDATION:
The AYA Foundation is all about empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners. It provides ongoing support to aspiring founders, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses. Whether offering mentorship, creating valuable programs, or providing the tools and systems necessary for success, AYA is committed to making a real difference. Its mission is to create lasting impact in communities by giving entrepreneurs the resources they need to thrive. It is a place where big ideas receive the foundation they need to flourish and succeed, all while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for growth.
Contact Information:
To learn more about AYA, go to www.ayafoundation.org.
For media inquiries, contact Kindred Communications: Angelle Fouther at angelle@kindredcommunications.net, 303-868-1796.