Board of Directors

VOTING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alexandria J. Maloney, MPA

PRESIDENT

Alexandria J. Maloney, MPA currently serves as the President of The International Association of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) and as a visiting lecturer at the Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy. Maloney is a foreign affairs professional with nearly a decade of social impact experience. By 31, she was named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent”, a “Forbes 50 Champion” for Black and Brown communities, and Distinguished Alumna of the Year at her alma mater in Italy for her leadership in building ecosystems to educate, prepare, and empower an organic reach of over 60,000. Maloney holds a B.A. in International Affairs from John Cabot University (Rome, Italy), M.A. in International Studies from Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD), and MPA from Cornell University (Ithaca, NY). At Cornell, she wrote her final research paper on diversifying U.S. foreign affairs agencies through system thinking frameworks. Her expertise and interests span a host of foreign affairs, DEIA, arts and culture, and public engagement matters

Violet Esipila

VP BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Violet Esipila founded Pepetwa Farm in rural Kenya with a strong focus on promoting and supporting women farmers. She is committed to raising awareness about best practices for women farmers and provides essential resources, employment opportunities, and youth volunteerism to uplift rural farming communities in Kenya. Currently, she is serving as an Agriculture Chair at Black Professionals International Affairs (BPIA) and as a Disaster Recovery Specialist at U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Esipila has extensive experience serving as a United States Peace Corps Ukraine Volunteer, where her work focused on international development with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Within this role, she concentrated on empowering and educating youth, women, and primary teachers on a variety of social issues. Her efforts included spearheading strategic planning initiatives to promote best practices in education, increase awareness of gender equality and leadership, and advocate for causes such as HIV/AIDS, disabilities, and breast cancer detection. Esipila holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from William Paterson University and a Master's degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations from Penn State University. She recently completed a course in Farm Management, Planning, and Marketing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Michelle Washington 

VP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORING

Michelle C. Washington is a social scientist and technologist who believes in the value of public service and using technology to solve society’s problems. Her passion is collaborating at the intersection of technology, policy, digital equity, and national security. She is currently serving in the Cyber Excepted Service as an Information Technology Specialist in the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, at the U.S. Department of Defense. Her work focuses on establishing new systems and tools for mission support leveraging data and analytics. Washington's experience spans over a decade in foreign policy, information technology, public finance, governance, and public administration. Her work supported military assistance, international security, economic development, global health programs, human rights initiatives, and humanitarian assistance in Africa, the Middle East and South America. She has worked with the Department of State in the U.S. Office of Foreign Assistance, the Foreign Service Institute, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Washington is a Truman National Security Scholar serving on the Defense Council and a National Security Fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. She is a member of the Marconi Society advocating for digital equity and a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Washington holds a Master of Public Administration, with an International Management focus from George Mason University and a professional certificate in Humanitarian Assistance, Crisis and Conflict from Harvard University.

Myles Ibanez 

VP EDUCATION AND EXCHANGE

Myles Ibanez is a distinguished Geopolitical Risk Analyst and Advisor with over eleven years of military and geopolitical expertise. He has advised senior officials on operational planning and strategy, demonstrating unwavering dedication to his field. Myles leverages his deep insight into foreign affairs to drive strategic initiatives and influence critical decision-making processes at the highest levels. As a strategic operations advisor and analyst, Myles specializes in proactive risk analysis, grand strategy, and cooperative threat reduction across key global commands, including Africom, Eucom, Centcom, and Indopacom. In his role as Vice President of the Education and Exchange Committee at Black Professionals in International Affairs, Myles leads and mentors rising international affairs professionals across Africa and the United States. He is instrumental in developing strategies and real-world applications that enhance the international community's understanding and ability to address complex issues surrounding economic, geopolitical, and skill bridge strategies essential for solving global challenges. Myles is an active member of prestigious platforms such as the Colin Powell Fellowship, Foreign Policy For America NextGen Fellowship, ForbesBLK, and the United Nations Association. His involvement in these organizations underscores his commitment to shaping global policy discussions and driving impactful initiatives. Academically, Myles holds a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is currently pursuing a Master's in International Security at Georgetown University, further enhancing his expertise and commitment to continuous learning in the field.

London McCloud 

VP MEMBERSHIP

London McCloud serves as a subject matter expert for the Mexico portfolio in the Office of International Affairs. As an International Relations Specialist, she leads collaborative efforts with the Government of Mexico to promote and implement trade facilitation and border security. She works directly with stakeholders promoting mission priorities and strategic goals by educating stakeholder and creating the diplomatic environment necessary to advance various trade and capacity-building programs. She is responsible for analyzing the geopolitical risk factors that impact legitimate flow of people and cargo in relation to U.S. trade and security goals in Mexico (and Canada). As the Vice President of Membership Black Professional in International Affairs (BPIA) she provides programming and a welcoming environment for members to connect. BPIA’s Madam Ambassador’s Program remains one of her dearest passion projects. This program educates young ladies from ages 13-21 on international relations careers. She serves as the etiquette coach and volunteer where she helps prepare the young ladies for Model UN Day, NATO Summit and an Ambassador Reception. London is committed to raising awareness for diversity and women’s issues through education initiatives. During her tenure as an American University Alumni Board Member, she chaired Women’s Leadership Circle and other committees. She served on the board and volunteers with Extraordinary Birthdays, a non-profit that provides birthday parties for homeless children. Her sincere passion and dedication to giving back led her to being honored with several community service awards, including nomination for an NAACP Mentor of the Year from American University, Distinguished Service from the National Black MBA Association and Volunteer of the Year from Catholic Business Network. London is a graduate of American University with a BSBA in International Marketing and Minor in Japanese. She obtained her MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus. London was selected by her agency to complete the KEY Executive Leadership Program at American University.

Maëlle Hunt 

VP OPERATIONS

Maëlle Hunt is a communications and marketing professional based in Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on business strategy and community outreach. As VP of Operations at BPIA, she drives initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency, provides strategic leadership, and oversees key projects, while managing the recruitment and development of top talent. Her career includes extensive project management experience across the Caribbean, where she has successfully managed branding and communications for major acquisitions at the largest financial institution in the region. She has also contributed to strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts within the U.S. political arena. A graduate of the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Maëlle leverages her expertise in strategic planning and client management to drive organizational success and foster meaningful community engagement.

Lassine Cherif 

TREASURER

Lassine Cherif came to BPIA in 2010 as student member and volunteer. He subsequently joined the BPIA staff as Membership Coordinator and IT manager. Appointed to the board in 2018 and elected 2019; he serves as the chair of the membership committee overseeing the organization membership activities. Elected as assistant treasurer in 2022, Cherif's led the modernization of BPIA’s financial systems. He has been serving as treasurer since July 2022. Cherif is a highly accomplished and innovative IT leader with 10+ years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, including end-to-end definition and implementation of cybersecurity/ information security governance and compliance programs while building and leading cross functional cybersecurity and compliance teams.

Oona Nelson 

SECRETARY

Oona Nelson is a public affairs officer and communications professional in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in International Business and completed a certificate in professional writing from the University of Pennsylvania. Nelson is an active member of UNA-USA and has been involved with BPIA since her undergraduate years.

Morgan Mickle

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Morgan Mickle is a technical expert and program manager supporting gender equality, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, inclusive development, and violence prevention programming in the health, agriculture, nutrition, economic growth, and education sectors for a diverse range of local organizations, national and international NGOs, U.S. government agencies, and private sector businesses. She currently serves as an Associate in Banyan Global’s Gender and Youth Practice. Morgan is also a Mentor through BPIA’s the Madam Ambassador Program for girls. She holds a MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University and a BA in Global Studies from The College of William and Mary.

Ethel Mwedziwendira

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Ethel Mwedziwendira is an innovative, persuasive strategic communications leader with a demonstrated history of developing comprehensive narratives for high-value clients. With a proven track record, she has successfully contributed to high-profile legal cases at the post-appellate level and has been instrumental in driving impactful social initiatives. She has successfully secured media placements in renowned outlets such as The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC, CNN, Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, The Hill, Bloomberg Law, Al Jazeera, and various other prestigious outlets, showcasing her expertise across state, national, and international media landscapes. Her commitment to consistently achieving desired outcomes is evident throughout her career. A proud alumna of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science, Mwedziwendira has garnered recognition as a fellow in the Vital Voices Visionaries Program, in collaboration with Estée Lauder's Emerging Leaders Fund. She has also been honored with several awards in journalism and editorial design, including accolades from the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Media Editors (APME). Additionally, she actively serves on the Board of Directors for Hunger Free America. Mwedziwendira's unyielding passion revolves around embracing new challenges and exploring innovative methods to construct compelling narratives and foster engagement.

Cory Bullock

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Cory Bullock is a Senior Manager of Global Government Affairs at cybersecurity firm Tenable. In his role at Tenable, Bullock develops and executes strategies to engage with governments around the world on cybersecurity policy and leverages public-private partnership to drive long-term strategic business outcomes. Prior to Tenable, Bullock worked at USAID, where he helped develop the Agency’s policy and legislative engagement strategies to advance key foreign policy priorities. He is also a Security Fellow with the Truman National Security Project, and previously worked at the Department of the Treasury. He holds a B.A. from Emory University and an M.A. in International Development from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

Evan Webb

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Evan Webb was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College with a BA in Economics and certificate in Mandarin Chinese from National Taiwan University's ICLP program. A lifetime traveler, Evan spent six years working in operations management in the tourism industry based in Shanghai, and managed operations throughout China, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, India, South Korea, and Indonesia. Inspired by some of the economic growth programs he engaged in through tourism, Evan went on to complete a Master's degree in International Development Management at the London School of Economics. Following graduate school, Evan moved into the international development sector, working on USAID foreign assistance programs for Chemonics International. He then moved into civil service at the U.S. Economic Development Administration, supporting the Deputy Assistant Secretary's for Regional Affairs and overseeing several multimillion-dollar initiatives. He is currently at the Millennium Challenge Corporation where he works on finance, investment and trade in programs throughout the agency’s portfolio. In his spare time, Evan is an avid fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns, and Chelsea Football Club.

Herline Mathieu

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Herline Mathieu is a native Floridian whose passion for international culture, politics and communications inspired her move to Washington DC. For the past 6 years, Herline has cultivated a career on Capitol Hill as a Press Secretary, where she utilizes her expertise in media relations and communications to inform the public on how their congressional leaders are serving them within the halls of Congress.

Abbey Ogunwale

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Abbey Ogunwale is a seasoned leader in the international development arena with extensive experience across several countries and sectors. For over a decade, he has provided organizations with the context, foresight, and extensive analysis they need to solve the unknown and enhance their understanding of global, regional, and national affairs. He is currently the Vice President at One Earth Future Foundation, a peace-building organization that incubates innovative programs aimed at preventing conflict and promoting stability in fragile and conflict affected states. He has a B.Sc. from Babcock University, a master’s degree in project management from George Washington University’s School of Business, and a Ph.D. in Public and Business Administration from North Central University. He also received Executive Certificates in Management, Leadership and Strategy from MIT Sloan School of Management, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and Shenandoah University’s School of Business.

NON-VOTING LEADERSHIP

Justin Rogers

DIRECTOR OF GRANTS & FUNDING

Justin Rogers is a Houston, Texas native born and raised. He studied at the University of Texas at Austin- where he got to study abroad in Amman, Jordan and first-hand experience the breadth of international affairs. His background in resource development allows him to think creatively about new methods of fundraising. He is passionate about cultural and language exchange as a means of diplomacy. Justin currently works as a project associate at a leading USAID implementation partner.

Watscia Duke

CHIEF OF STAFF

Watscia Duke is a Policy Analyst by day and BPIA 's Chief of Staff by afternoon, with experience in the legal industry and project management. She holds a Masters of Law degree from George Washington University Law School, and has a strong background in National Security and Cybersecurity Law. Over the years, she has worked with key organizations such as the International Monetary Fund managing logistics for the Business Center and The New Economy Forum at the Spring and Annual Meetings. Watscia is passionate about writing, coordination and travel and is known for her innovation and adaptability.

2024 BPIA Board of Directors

--Elected Voting Members of Board of Directors --

Alexandria J, Maloney, President

Violet Esipila, VP of Business & Economic Development

Michelle C. Washington, VP of Professional Development & Mentorship

Myles Ibanez, VP of Education & Exchange 

London McCloud, VP of Membership

Maelle Hunt, VP of Operation

Lassine Cherif, Treasurer

Oona Nelson, Secretary

Morgan Mickle, Asst. Secretary

Ethel Mwedziwendira, Board Member At-Large 

Cory Bullock, Board Member At-Large

Evan Webb, Board Member At-Large

Herline Mathieu, Board Member At-Large 

Abbey Ogunwale, Board Member At-Large

-- Appointed Non Voting Members of the Board --

Justin Rogers, Director of Grants & Fundraising 

Watscia Duke, Chief of Staff

Jordan Giles, Co-Events Director

Lisa Irambona, Co-Events Director

Nadia Douglas, Co-Events Director 

Dr. Letisha Malcolm, Director of Internship Program

Denia Smith, Youth Mobilization Advisor to the President

2023 BPIA Board of Directors

--Elected Voting Members of Board of Directors --

Alexandria J, Maloney, President

Michelle Washington, VP of Professional Development & Mentorship

Bobby Curtis King II, VP of Education & Exchange 

Kholofelo "Kholo" Kugler, VP of Business & Economic Development

Lassine Cherif, Treasurer

Abiodun Adeoye, Secretary

Jonathon Cummings, Board Member At-Large

Ethel Mwedziwendira, Board Member At-Large 

Abbey Ogunwale, Board Member At-Large

M. Julian Goldstein, Board Member At-Large

2022 BPIA Board of Directors

--Elected Voting Members of Board of Directors --

Alexandria J, Maloney, President

Sandile Hlatshwayo, VP of Professional Development & Mentorship

John "Cal" Williams, VP of Business & Economic Development 

Danny Evans, VP of Education & Exchange

McGrath Jean Thomas, Treasurer

Lassine Cherif, Asst. Treasurer

Christian A. Chung, Secretary

Breonna Stanton, Asst. Secretary

Clifton "Cliff" W. Jeffery Jr., Board Member At-Large

Amb. Eunice Reddick, Board Member At-Large

Yvonne Hubbard, Board Member At-Large