BACKGROUND ON THE BPIA ADVISORY COUNCILS 

The Advisory Councils of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) serves as a cornerstone for advancing the organization’s mission to empower, connect, and uplift professionals engaged in global affairs. The council comprises three integral bodies—the Leadership Advisory, Diplomatic Council, and Corporate Council—each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to drive meaningful impact. The Advisory Councils were reinstated in 2023, and later expanded to include the Diplomatic and Corporate Council as outlined in the BPIA bylaws. 

Leadership Advisory COUNCIL

The Leadership Advisory includes seasoned professionals, thought leaders, and trailblazers who have demonstrated excellence in international affairs. This body provides strategic guidance, fosters innovation, and ensures that BPIA remains at the forefront of leadership in global policymaking and advocacy.

Diplomatic Council

The Diplomatic Council is a network of ambassadors, diplomats, and international relations experts who represent a variety of voices in foreign service and global engagement. This council advises on fostering partnerships, strengthening cross-cultural dialogue, and advancing solutions to international challenges.

Corporate Council

The Corporate Council consists of executives and leaders from multinational corporations, think tanks, and industry associations. Members guide BPIA in building bridges between the corporate world and international affairs, creating pathways for professional development and inclusive economic growth.

Leadership, Reach, and Institutional Impact

BPIA’s Advisory Council reflects the organization’s commitment to disciplined leadership, strategic excellence, and results-driven engagement across global affairs. Council members bring senior-level insight from diplomacy, business, policy, and civil society, strengthening BPIA’s ability to operate with credibility, influence, and foresight.

Together, the Leadership Advisory Council, Diplomatic Council, and Corporate Council operate as an integrated leadership body that advances BPIA’s mission through strategic counsel, capital mobilization, and institutional partnership. By aligning expertise with execution, the Advisory Council extends BPIA’s reach, strengthens its global standing, and helps shape the future of international affairs through principled leadership and measurable impact.

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Expectations of Service

All Advisory Council roles require a demonstrated ability to contribute meaningfully to BPIA’s mission through one or more of the following forms of capital:

• Financial support

• Strategic and institutional relationships

• Sector-specific expertise

• Access to venues, platforms, or professional services

• Policy, diplomatic, or executive insight consistent with nonprofit governance standards

Council members are expected to:

• Maintain active BPIA membership

• Participate in Council meetings and select BPIA programs annually

• Uphold BPIA’s bylaws, Code of Conduct, and conflict-of-interest standards

• Represent the organization with professionalism, discretion, and integrity

• Fulfill agreed-upon commitments in a timely and reliable manner

Chair and Vice Chair Roles

Council Chairs and Vice Chairs carry additional leadership responsibility, including:

• Setting annual Council priorities aligned with BPIA strategy

• Coordinating Council activity and engagement

• Ensuring contribution targets and governance requirements are met

• Serving as primary liaisons between the Council and BPIA leadership

• Submitting annual performance and contribution summaries

These roles require demonstrated leadership capacity and the ability to drive measurable outcomes.

Annual Nomination and Appointment Process

In accordance with the BPIA bylaws, all Advisory Council roles are open for nomination annually. Appointments are not automatic and are reviewed each year based on performance, engagement, and organizational needs.

Key elements of the process include:

• Annual self-evaluation by Council members

• Governance Committee review of performance and compliance

• Formal recommendation by BPIA leadership

• Final review and approval by the BPIA Board of Directors

The Board retains full authority to appoint, reappoint, conditionally reappoint, or decline reappointment for all Advisory Council roles, including Chairs and Vice Chairs. This process ensures strong governance, accountability, and alignment with BPIA’s strategic priorities.

Performance and Accountability

All Advisory Council members are evaluated annually using a standardized performance scorecard that measures:

• Capital contributions

• Leadership and governance compliance

• Engagement and institutional visibility

• Strategic influence and advisory value

Appointments may be reviewed or adjusted at any time in cases of underperformance, inactivity, governance concerns, or unmet obligations.

Why Serve

Service on a BPIA Advisory Council offers senior leaders the opportunity to:

• Shape the direction of a leading global professional organization

• Contribute to high-level programs and policy-adjacent initiatives

• Leverage expertise and networks for institutional impact

• Engage alongside peers committed to disciplined leadership in international affairs

Advisory Council service is best suited for individuals prepared to lead with intention, contribute with substance, and operate within a clear governance framework.

Relevant Nominations Information

• Our Councils represent leaders of various nationalities, industries, and specializations who are committed to advancing the BPIA mission through increasing BPIA's financial, social, and political capital.
• Open to individuals globally.
• BPIA member preferred but not required. 
• Self-nominations are accepted. 
• One year term. 
• Nominations are reviewed by the BPIA Board of Directors.