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The BPIA Colin Powell Leadership Institute

On a mission to prepare, inspire, and empower diverse mid-career professionals in government, civil society, and the private sector for the senior ranks. 


History and Mission of the BPIA Colin Powell Leadership Institute

On January 1, 2024, BPIA President Alexandria J. Maloney announced the founding and the official launch of the Colin Powell Leadership Institute. The mission of the Institute is to prepare, inspire, and empower diverse mid-career professionals for the senior ranks through:

  • Leadership Development Training
  • Leadership Salon Dinner Series
  • Media Trainings
  • White House and Think Tanks Policy Briefings
  • Executive Mentorship 
  • Amplifying and promoting engagements featuring mid-career professionals

Photo Gallery

Cohorts

 PAST INSTITUTE LEADERSHIP


2026 Institute Leadership

Wayne Browne, Chair

Alexandria J. Maloney, Vice-Chair 

Gabrielle Gueye, Committee Member


2025 Institute Leadership

Wayne Browne, Chair

Gabrielle Gueye, Vice Chair

Jax Shelton, Vice Chair

Azaz Elshami, Committee Member

Marcae Bryant, Committee Member


2024 Institute Leadership

Alexandria J. Maloney, Chair 

 Michelle C. Washington, Vice-Chair

Darrell M. Blocker, Program Adviser 

Charles Carithers, Program Adviser


Institute Programming
On A High Impact Mission: Addressing Workforce Challenges of "Not Enough Diverse Talent" for Senior Positions 



Leadership Development Trainings

  • Leadership Bootcamp I: A Crash Course in Leadership Fundamentals and Understanding your Leadership Style ft. Marquis Miller, Obama Foundation

  • Leadership Bootcamp II: Authentic Leadership and More ft. Dana Linnet, Charles Carithers, Andrew Borene, and Barbara Leary 

  • "Intrusive Leadership" with USCG Marcus Canady


Leadership Salon Dinners 

  • Salon Dinner I - Celebrating International Women's Day "Women Can Have it All: Leading Authentically and Taking your Impact to the Next Level" ft. Amb. Gina Ambercrombie Winstanley, Amb. Reema Al Saud, and Tammie Smiley. 
  • Salon Dinner II: "Leadership in Times of Crisis” ft. Amb. Harry K. Thomas & Alonzo Fulgham
  • Salon Dinner III: "What it Really took to become the first Black Undersecretary" ft. Bonnie Jenkins
  • Salon Dinner VI: “Thinking Big: Building Friends on All Sides of the Aisle”  ft. Daniel F. Runde and Dr. Kiron Skinner
  • Salon V: "Commanding the Room” A National Security Perspective on Leadership ft. Johnny Sawyer



Media Trainings 

  • Media Training I: "How to Write an Effective Op-ed" with Former Washington Post Editor Christian Caryl
  • Media Training II: "Preparing Before the Storm: A Crash Course in Crisis Communication for Leaders" with Elie Jacobs
  • Media Training III: “Media Mastery: A Comprehensive Guide to Pitching and Securing Top Placements” with Ethel M.




Policy Briefings 

  • Fireside Chat with the President of the African-American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) 
  • White House Briefing with NSC Africa Director Judd Devermont 
  • Cultivating Diverse Talent in National Security co-hosted by INSA 
  • Grand Strategy 101 with Will Kielm 
  • What's Happening in Haiti Discussion and Coordination Call
  • CFR/BPIA Roundtable: What to Worry about in 2024 ft. CFR’s Paul B. Stares



Mentorship and Connections 

  • Mentorship Matching 
  • Induction Ceremony ft. Amb. Harriet Elam-Thomas and Amb. Ruth A. Davis 
  • Closing Ceremony and Certificate Presentation 
  • Monthly Off-the-Record Powell Cohort Check In Call 
  • Book Talk: “My Time with General Colin Powell” ft author Leslie Lautenslager.



Powell Institute Alumni Network 

For more information on accessing the alumni network and intranet site, please email powellinstitute@iabpia.org

FAQ

When and how do I apply for the Institute?

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Only active BPIA members can apply for the Institute. To become an active member, sign up here.The application period is typically in late fall with selections announced in January. 

What is the selection criteria?

The Institute cohort is made up of mid-career professionals representing a wide-range of industry areas including diplomacy, defense, development, and the private sector. We typically look for members with 5-10 years experience and a displayed commitment to public service, however, do not let that discourage you from applying. 

Can I join or apply in the middle of the year? 

No, candidates must apply during the application period in late fall. 

What is the time commitment? Are all sessions mandatory? 

Typical programming is one session a month. Hybrid options are typically available. Cohort members do not have to be based in the DC area, however, most if not all in person events are in the DC area. In order to receive the full impact of the program, it is strongly suggested that cohort members attend all sessions. 

I am an Institute alumni and would like to get more involved. Also, where do I find the Powell Intranet site? 

Please email powellinstitute@iabpia.org for more information. 

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Questions may be emailed to powellinstitute@iabpia.org



The 2025 application is now closed. Information for the next cohort will go live on this webpage in December. 


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BPIA membership is open to all applicants who support our mission and goals without regard to race, religion/creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual preference or identity.

Email
bpiaoutreach@iabpia.org

Mailing Address

BPIA

P.O. Box 55922

Washington, DC 20011


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