Alumni Story: Aftab Pureval, Mayor of Cincinnati, C-Change, Leadership Cincinnati

Mayor Aftab Pureval, featured keynote speaker at the 2023 Leadership Louisville Luncheon. Photo by Jolea Brown, for Leadership Louisville Center

Aftab Pureval, Mayor of Cincinnati

Program: C-Change, 2014 - Leadership Cincinnati, Regional Chamber

For Mayor Aftab Pureval, participating in the C-Change program was a turning point in his leadership journey. At the time, he was seeking ways to deepen his impact in Cincinnati, his hometown, and to build a leadership style rooted in empathy, equity, and community engagement.

“Leadership is a relationship-driven experience,” Aftab reflects. “C-Change taught me that true leadership means embracing differences and leveraging them to build stronger, more innovative teams. It’s about creating space for open dialogue and ensuring every voice is heard — especially those that might have been overlooked or marginalized in the past.”

The program emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives, encouraging participants to view differences not as barriers but as powerful assets that can drive creativity and lead to more resilient solutions. This lesson proved invaluable in Aftab’s role as Mayor of Cincinnati, where he frequently navigates the complexities of a diverse urban community.

Impact Story: The lessons from C-Change came to life in a pivotal moment in the Bond Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati. There, a group of young roadside water vendors had sparked concern among residents about traffic hazards and the safety of the youths. Traditional approaches might have simply shut down the vendors, exacerbating tensions and mistrust in the community. But instead, Aftab and his team applied the principles of equity and inclusion learned in C-Change.

“We chose to see this as an opportunity, not a problem,” Aftab explains. By engaging with the young entrepreneurs and the concerned community members in open dialogue, they developed a collaborative project aimed at supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of these young men while addressing safety concerns. This solution-oriented approach, inspired by C-Change, not only resolved the immediate issue but also fostered trust and collaboration within the community.

But the impact of C-Change extended beyond just one initiative. “The program came at a crucial moment in my career,” Aftab shares. “I was considering a new job opportunity outside of Cincinnati and was on the brink of leaving. But the connections I formed and the sense of purpose I found through C-Change convinced me that there was still important work for me to do here in Cincinnati. The relationships and insights I gained from the program kept me anchored in my community and ultimately led me to where I am today — as Mayor.”

Professional and Personal Benefits: Beyond specific community initiatives, Aftab credits C-Change with expanding his professional network in meaningful ways. “I met people from all walks of life — nonprofit leaders, business executives, civic activists — all committed to making Cincinnati a better place,” he says. “These connections have been instrumental in my role as Mayor, allowing me to draw on a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives as we tackle the city’s challenges together.”

Moreover, C-Change helped Aftab refine his leadership philosophy. “I learned that effective leadership is about more than just making decisions from the top down,” he notes. “It’s about being present, listening actively, and leading with empathy. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to the conversation.”

Advice for Future Leaders: When asked what he would say to someone considering a community leadership program, Aftab’s response is simple and emphatic: “Do it.” He continues, “These programs are about more than professional development; they’re about building a better community. They challenge you to think differently, to grow personally and professionally, and to make a lasting impact.”

Mayor Aftab Pureval’s story illustrates the transformative power of community leadership programs. From addressing complex local issues to staying committed to his city when faced with personal career crossroads, his journey reflects how investing in local leadership can create ripples of positive change far beyond any single program or individual.

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The National Community Leadership Collaborative (NCLC) is a mindtrust of community leadership programs from coast to coast who want to grow impact in their communities and regions as well as collectively across the country by working together. Get to know our national movement by meeting alumni from various programs across the country.