BPIA June First Friday: Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration

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Through conversation and connection, the evening will highlight the Caribbean’s enduring influence on global leadership, innovation, advocacy, and cultural exchange. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with peers and professionals from diverse backgrounds while building meaningful relationships across sectors and experiences.

This evening brings together members, partners, and rising professionals for a vibrant and welcoming environment to strengthen community, celebrate shared heritage, and continue expanding BPIA’s growing international network.

This event is open to the public (21+).

Guests of Honor 

Lynreshay Johnson

Lynreshay Johnson is a passionate Bahamian cultural strategist and seasoned performing arts leader with over a decade of experience driving meaningful impact across artistic, diplomatic, and nonprofit sectors. Currently serving as the Cultural Attaché at the Embassy Consular Annex of The Bahamas in Washington, D.C., she leverages her artistic expertise and leadership to strengthen cultural diplomacy, forge international partnerships, and elevate Bahamian arts on the global stage.

With a strong foundation in theatre (B.A., Theatre Arts, Taylor University) and a Master’s in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago, Lynreshay's career has been defined by a commitment to purpose-driven programming and inclusive cultural development. Her work is grounded in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA), which she integrates into every initiative, whether curating events, advising on creative projects, or supporting Bahamian consulates across the U.S.

In both artistic and diplomatic spaces, Lynreshay is known for her integrity, vision, and collaborative spirit. She continues to champion opportunities for Bahamian artists, create platforms for cultural exchange, and consult on programs that celebrate the richness of Bahamian heritage.

Brandon Ramsay

Brandon Ramsay serves as the Senior Policy Analyst for the House Foreign Affairs Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee, as well as for the full committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) covering U.S. multilateral issues and Committee oversight priorities regarding U.S.-United Nations relations and other issues under the jurisdiction of the Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee.

During the 118th Congress, Brandon served as the Democratic Staff Director for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations. Prior to joining the committee staff, Brandon was a Foreign Policy Legislative Aide in the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) where he covered the Middle East with a special focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Western Hemisphere, and veterans affairs. Brandon was a fellow in the U.S. Department of State Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange program where he lived and worked in Frankfurt and Mainz, Germany. Brandon received his M.A. in Security Studies at Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Arabic from Howard University.

Jamila Thompson

Jamila Thompson serves as director for senior congressional leadership, learning, and development in the Congressional Staff Academy located in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In addition, she is the Distinguished Public Policy Fellow at Howard University’s Ralph J.Bunche International Affairs Center, a senior fellow and mentor with Stennis Center for Public Service, and volunteers as Vice President for Membership in the non-partisan, Caribbean-American Political Action Committee.

During the Biden-Harris Administration, Thompson was the first Black woman to serve as chief of staff, acting chief of staff, and senior advisor in the history of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), a cabinet-level agency within the Executive Office of the President on the White House campus. Prior to these Presidential appointments, Thompson spent nearly two decades working in the U.S. Congress, where she was the chief of staff to the Office of Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District and deputy chief of staff and legislative director for U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA). Jamila previously served on the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Caribbean Community Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Earlier in her career, Jamila worked as a legislative assistant for Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and as a volunteer coordinator and translator for various non-profit organizations. 

Event Highlights:

• Networking & Social Mixer: Connect with professionals in foreign affairs and related fields

• Inspiring Conversations: Insights on leadership, advocacy, and navigating global challenges

• Celebratory Atmosphere: Music, drinks, and a vibrant community

• Venue: The Park at 14th – 920 14th St NW, Washington, DC

• ⏰ Date & Time: Friday, June 5, 2026 | 6-8 PM EDT