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• Global Pathways: 2025 BPIA Virtual Conference and Career Fair

  • When
    09/03/2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  
  

  

  Global Pathways:

  2025 BPIA Virtual Conference and Career Fair

  Expand your global career possibilities at the 2025 BPIA Career Fair and Virtual Conference. This highly anticipated online event will bring together students, young professionals, and employers across sectors for a vibrant evening of keynotes, breakout panels, and recruitment opportunities. Whether you're exploring your next step or seeking top talent, this virtual space is your gateway to international impact.

  
  

  Meet our Headline Careers Panel Speakers 

  
  

  Dr. Letisha Malcolm (Moderator) is an educator, policy advisor, and global affairs professional with over 15 years of leadership experience across education, diplomacy, social policy, and international research. She designs and manages multi-track programs in leadership development, governance research, global advocacy, cultural exchange, and economic empowerment, serving diverse communities worldwide. She is BPIA’s Vice President of Education & Exchange. 

  Dr. Belinda Archibong (Panelist) is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Her research areas include development economics, political economy, economic history and environmental economics with an African regional focus Archibong is a Senior Fellow with the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

  Dr. Aitza HaddadJD, LLM, PhD (Panelist) is an interdisciplinary educator, legal scholar, and human rights advocate. Dr. Haddad earned her PhD in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies from Howard University and is currently pursuing a second PhD in International Psychology. She has taught since 2013 at colleges and universities nationwide, focusing on inclusive pedagogy and multilingual learner success. She is Founder and Director of Friendly Law, a nonprofit empowering individuals through legal education and advocacy.

  Matthew Mensah (Panelist) is an international award-winning public relations and campaign strategist who has collaborated with multiple governments, United Nations agencies and private companies, across Africa, to which he provided PP concepts, campaign strategies and crisis management advisory services. Matthew has produced successful humanitarian campaigns throughout Africa for over 15 years and is the founder of ReBranding Africa. In 2016, he was appointed Ghana’s Ambassador for Tourism, Arts & Culture, and now serves as the Chief Liaison Officer for Ghana to Southern Africa.

  Ambassador Adeniran Michael Timothy (Panelist) is a distinguished Nigerian diplomat, humanitarian leader, and Pan-African advocate whose career spans diplomacy, development, and humanitarian affairs. He has been instrumental in advancing regional cooperation, youth empowerment, and sustainable humanitarian solutions across Africa. Ambassador Adeniran’s leadership extends to engaging policymakers, international organizations, and civil society leaders to foster dialogue and develop practical solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges. 

  Ndeye Aminata Ndiaye (Panelist) is a DC Community Outreach Specialist with 2+ years of experience, specializing in Immigration Relations. Since starting this line of work, she has helped more than 10 asylum seekers get established in the district with work, education, and getting their legal papers. She advocates for her community and helps them build a life in the city without losing their cultural identity. With a master's degree in media communications, Amina appreciates using social media platforms to highlight work that the city is doing for her community.
  

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• Interest Form - BPIA Volunteers for 2025 MIPAD/UNGA Week [Deadline 09/04]

  • When
    09/04/2025

  
  

  
  

  COMPLETE INTEREST FORM HERE 

  Deadline: Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11:59pm ET 

  Volunteer with BPIA During 2025 MIPAD/UNGA Week!

  Are you passionate about international affairs, event planning, and connecting with global changemakers?

  Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) invites you to volunteer during the 2025 Africa Diaspora Day on Capitol Hill (ADDOH) and the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Recognition Ceremony.

  These are two separate events taking place during September 2025:

  1. DC EVENT: Africa Diaspora Day on Capitol Hill (ADDOH)
     Tuesday, September 16, 2025
     Forum: 1:00–5:00 PM | Reception: 5:30–8:30 PM
     U.S. Capitol – Congressional Auditorium & Atrium (CVC 200), Washington, D.C.

  2. NYC EVENT: MIPAD Recognition Ceremony
     Friday, September 26, 2025
     12:00–2:30 PM
     Harvard Club, New York City

  Volunteers may sign up to support one or both events depending on their availability.

  As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in ensuring a smooth, professional, and engaging experience for attendees, speakers, and special guests.

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  Volunteer Responsibilities May Include:

  • Guest check-in and registration

  • Speaker and panelist support

  • Session timekeeping and note-taking

  • Social media and photography

  • Room setup and attendee guidance

  • Supporting BPIA-led networking and engagement

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  Timeline

  • September 3 – Volunteer Interest Form Deadline

  • September 8 – Notifications Sent to Volunteers Regarding Selection Status

  • September 10 – Mandatory Volunteer Orientation (7–8 PM ET; virtual)

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  Submission of this interest form does not confirm your selection as a volunteer. 

  
  

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• BPIA September First Friday: Block Party Pre-CBC Edition

  • When
    09/05/2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    The Park at 14th 920 14th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005

  
  

  REGISTER HERE

  
  

  BPIA September First Friday

  Block Party Pre-CBC Edition

  
  

  Close out National BPIA Week with a celebration you won’t forget. The First Friday Block Party returns with music, energy, and a room full of changemakers ready to connect and unwind. Hosted at the iconic Park at 14th, this event is open to the public (21+), offering a lively space for foreign affairs professionals, creatives, and global leaders to come together.

  Guest of Honor

  We are excited to have BPIA Power50 Listmaker, Angelle Kwemo, join us as our Guest of Honor. Ms. Kwemo serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director for Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and played a key role in policy formulation on issues affecting the global economy. She worked for seven years in the U.S. Congress as Legislative Counsel for two members of the House of Representatives and has worked tirelessly on the passage of legislations to increase U.S. trade relations.

  
  

  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, September 5, 2025 | 6-8 PM EDT

  Age: 21+ | RSVP Required at IABPIA.ORG/EVENTS

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• African Diaspora Day on the Hill

  • When
    09/16/2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 8:30 PM

  REGISTER HERE

  

  
  

  African Diaspora Day on the Hill

  BPIA and Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), in collaboration with The Honorable Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, The Honorable Jonathan Jackson, and other Members of Congress, will convene “Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill 2025”, a high-level forum on Capitol Hill — bringing together U.S. lawmakers, global investors, and African & Caribbean leaders for a strategic dialogue.
  

  
  Tuesday, September 16, 2025

  • Forum: 1:00pm- 5:00pm
  • Reception: 5:30pm-8:30pm
  • Location: U.S. Capitol - Congressional Auditorium & Atrium (CVC 200)

  
  

  Please be advised:

  Advance REGISTRATION is required for all attendees. Due to security protocols and limited capacity, on-site or walk-up registration will not be permitted. All approved registrants will receive a confirmation email with additional event information.  We look forward to your participation in this important occasion.

  SEE YOU IN DC ON THE HILL!

  
  

  
  

  

  Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick introduced the African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA) with Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) to take bold action—lowering remittance costs, boosting diaspora-led investment, and aligning U.S. policy with the strength of African and Caribbean communities. It’s time to invest in sustainable development, dignity, and shared prosperity.

  To learn more cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov 

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• Interest Kick-Off Meeting: 2026 Colin Powell Leadership Institute Planning Committee

  • When
    10/08/2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual (Zoom)

  Register

  
  

  
  

  CPLI Kick-Off Planning Committee Interest Meeting!

  Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 7-8pm EDT
  Location: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227

  
  

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  Description

  The Colin Powell Leadership Institute (CPLI) is gearing up for the next program year, and we’re inviting YOU to help shape it! Join us for our Planning Committee Interest Meeting to learn how you can play a part in designing an impactful, engaging, and inspiring CPLI experience for the next class of leaders.

  Who Should Get Involved

  • Open to all BPIA members, friends, and supporters of all levels

  • Alumni are strongly encouraged to join — your experience and insights are invaluable!

  Why Get Involved

  • Strengthen your leadership, project management, and event-planning skills

  • Expand your professional network within and beyond BPIA

  • Give back by creating opportunities for future leaders

  • Gain behind-the-scenes experience in program design and execution

  Ways You Can Support

  • Event logistics and coordination

  • Mentorship and alumni engagement

  • Communications and social media

  • Graphic design and materials

  • Sponsorship and partnerships

  Your time, ideas, and expertise will help ensure that CPLI continues to be a powerful, life-changing experience for emerging leaders.

  For Questions, email powellinstitute@iabpia.org

  
  

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• Out of the Darkness: DC Suicide Prevention Walk

  • When
    10/18/2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC

  Register

  
  

  
  

  
  

  TWO STEPS TO REGISTER:

  1. STEP 1 -- AFSP WEBSITE: Register for Team BPIA (select "Join Our Team") of this AFSP webpage. 
  2. STEP 2 -- BPIA WEBSITE: Register here on the BPIA event page (to receive email about BPIA meeting point)

  IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  1. WEAR THE COLOR BLUE or order the official walk tshirt. 
  2. This is a FREE event. Donations are suggested, but not required to participate. 
  3. Registration on the AFSP and BPIA webpage are required to join "Team BPIA"
  4. Anyone in the BPIA community are welcome to join. 

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  Join Team BPIA for the “Out of the Darkness” Suicide Prevention Walk

  On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the BPIA Colin Powell Leadership Institute will walk together at the Lincoln Memorial as part of the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

  Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, and communities of color are facing rising rates of suicide, particularly among youth and young adults. Within our own BPIA community, many of us have been personally touched by loss, whether through family members, friends, or colleagues. These experiences remind us of the importance of breaking the silence, raising awareness, and standing together to support one another.

  By walking as Team BPIA, we not only honor the lives lost and uplift survivors, but also send a message of solidarity and hope. This is more than just a walk—it is an opportunity for us to build visibility around mental health, foster healing, and affirm that no one in our community should have to struggle alone.

  The event is free and open to all BPIA members and supporters. We encourage you to bring friends, family, and colleagues to walk with us. Together, we can help shine a light in the darkness.

  
  

  For questions contact president@iabpia.org

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