AEYL mission
CENTRALIZED IN MCKINNEY - PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THROUGHOUT COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS SINCE 2013The Alliance of Elite Youth Leadership (AEYL)—is a mission-driven organization committed to uplifting families and empowering teens (12-18) and young adults (19-24), including those facing socioeconomic barriers. Through a comprehensive portfolio of community-rooted programs, AEYL cultivates leadership, entrepreneurial acumen, and civic engagement.Guided by The AEYLWAY, our organizational ethos centers on exposure, opportunity, and inspiration. We believe that lasting transformation begins with intentional investment in young people’s potential. By equipping emerging leaders with the tools, mentorship, and experiences they need to thrive, AEYL fosters a generation of changemakers prepared to lead with purpose and impact.
◼MEET THE FOUNDERS
Derrick, originally from Lee County, Arkansas, is a dedicated advocate for youth development who now applies his extensive experience to empowering the next generation in Collin County, Texas. As a committed mentor and community leader, he firmly believes that the most impactful lessons are imparted through example. Derrick’s leadership across various local boards and educational initiatives underscores his unwavering commitment to equipping teens and young adults with tangible models of success.Also a native of Marianna, Ceretha brings the determination of an entrepreneur, veteran, and proud Minority Women Veteran-owned business owner to AEYL. She leads the organization’s entrepreneurial and engagement strategies, with a strong focus on fostering economic opportunity and strengthening community connections. Ceretha’s dynamic leadership ensures that every program is both impactful and sustainable.United by their common roots and shared vision, Derrick and Ceretha Robinson exemplify The AEYLWAY: empowering teens and young adults through leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.derrick robinson, CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ceretha robinson, CO-FOUNDER & ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
◼THE ‘A’ Team - Recognitions Since 2018
Our passionate ‘A’ Team brings decades of volunteer leadership and board experience to serve McKinney and Collin County families:2018 NON-PROFIT of the Year Award presented by Volunteer McKinney2019 MCDC Quality of Life Award presented by McKinney Chamber of Commerce2020 NAACP Advocacy Award presented by Collin County NAACP2022 Award recipient for being an Outstanding Contributor to Education and YouthDevelopment presented by Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated2023 recipient of the CUTX Community Leader AwardNominee of the 2024 Volunteer McKinney Small Business Award recognized by Volunteer McKinneyRecently nominated for the 2025 MEDC Workforce Development Award presented by McKinney Economic Deveopment Corporation
We leverage these outstanding recognitions and experiences to deliver an all-inclusive approach—connecting families to educational support, economic empowerment, and leadership development.
