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• [BPIA PARTNER EVENT] The Black Patriots: Historical Roles Played by Black Patriots in the Independence and Building of the U.S.A.

  • When
    02/25/2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    DACOR Bacon House OR Online, 1801 F St NW, Washington, DC 20006

  
  

  REGISTER HERE

  
  

  The Black Patriots 

  Historical Roles played by Black Patriots in the Independence and Building of the U.S.A

  
  

  Join BPIA for The Black Patriots hybrid program, co-hosted by DACOR and Washington Ambassador Club International and co-sponsored by the Association of Black American Ambassadors, Black Professionals in International Affairs, and Thursday Luncheon Group. This program explores the critical roles Black patriots played in shaping the United States through both military service and diplomacy. Attendees may join in person or virtually; registration is required for all participants. The in-person program runs from 6:30-9:00 PM with dinner provided, while the virtual livestream begins around 8:00 PM.

  The discussion will be led by James “Jim” Dandridge and Colonel (Ret.) Clarence A. Miller Jr. - two distinguished combat veterans and pioneers who served during the early years of the integrated U.S. Armed Forces. Drawing on decades of leadership across military command, the Pentagon, and the U.S. diplomatic corps, they will share historical insights and personal experiences that illuminate Black leadership in nation-building.

  This program is especially timely as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, alongside milestone anniversaries recognizing the formal celebration of Black history. The program situates Black History Month within a broader global context, recognising that Black history and remembrance are honoured worldwide.

  Event Details:

  • $55 in-person attendance
  • $10 virtual attendance

  Venue: DACOR Bacon House OR Online, 1801 F St NW, Washington, DC 20006
  

  ⏰ Date & Time: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 

  Age: 21+ | External registration Required (Link Here)

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• Volunteer Sign-Up: 3rd Annual BPIA Community Service Day at Thomas Stone Elementary School (Feb 26th, 2026)

  • When
    02/26/2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Thomas Stone Elementary School (in the school gym) - 4500 34th St, Mt Rainier, MD

  
  

  COMPLETE VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP FORM (required to participate as volunteer; Deadline 2/23)

  
  

  
  

  
  

  BPIA 3rd Annual Community Service Day @ Thomas Stone Elementary School

  Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

  Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET

  Volunteer Arrival time: 4:30pm EDT 

  Location: Thomas Stone Elementary School (in the school gym) - 4500 34th St, Mt Rainier, MD

  Join us for an engaging evening of fun, learning, and community connection during this Black History Month Showcase! This special event introduces youth (K-5) and the local community to international affairs, study abroad opportunities, and the exciting world of travel.

  Activities Include:

  • Engaging Games
  • Fun-Filled Activities
  • Exciting Prizes
  • International Snacks & Candy

  This event, hosted by Thomas Stone Elementary School in partnership with other organizations, is open to the public. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate culture, expand horizons, and connect with your community!

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  VOLUNTEERS: WEAR YOUR COLLEGE / HBCU /NPHC ATTIRE OR THE COLOR BLUE!

  
  

  
  

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• (Virtual) BPIA Discussion Groups aka DialougeHouse: "Global Policy Advocacy for Social Outcomes"

  • When
    02/28/2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual (Zoom)

  Register

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Global Policy Advocacy for Social Outcomes

  Date & Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 12:00pm - 1:00 pm EDT

  Location: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227

  Open to: The BPIA Community At-Large

  
  

  Global Policy Advocacy for

  Social Outcomes
  

  
  

  Event Description:

  BPIA's Policy Coffee & Discussion Series creates a community-centered space for members to engage thoughtfully with the global issues shaping our world.

  Our February session will explore how policy advocacy shapes social conditions - locally and globally - by influencing public priorities, institutional behaviour, and societal well-being.  

  This discussion is designed as an open, low-lift forum for shared learning and respectful dialogue. Participants are encouraged to exchange perspectives, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of how advocacy contributes to measurable social change. The goal for the discussion is not to reach consensus or produce formal policy positions, but to deepen collective understanding and strengthen our intellectual community.

  Whether you are early in your global affairs journey or a seasoned professional, this session offers an opportunity to reflect, connect, and learn alongside fellow BPIA members in an accessible virtual format.

  Sign up today and add your voice to the conversation. We look forward to learning and engaging together.

  
  

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• BPIA March First Friday - National Women’s History Month Edition: Celebrating Leaders in National Security

  • When
    03/06/2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    The Park at 14th 920 14th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005

  
  

  REGISTER HERE

  
  

  BPIA March First Friday

  National Women’s History Month Edition:

  Celebrating Leaders in National Security

  
  

  Join BPIA for an evening of connection and community for our National Women’s History Month Edition: Celebrating Leaders in National Security. Come build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and honor the leadership, expertise, and impact of women, across national security, international affairs, policy, and related fields.

  The evening will highlight the contributions of women shaping critical national security conversations, celebrate the strength of our growing network, and provide a meaningful space for members and partners to connect, engage, and advance together.

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

  GUESTS OF HONOR 

  Nicole O’Neill Ash is a retired senior U.S. intelligence executive with more than 31 years of service at the Central Intelligence Agency. She began her career as a propaganda and open-source intelligence analyst, examining how information, narratives, and influence shape public perception. Throughout her tenure, she advanced into several senior leadership positions, including Executive Director of the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence. Her assignments spanned both domestic and international posts, with experience across Africa, the Middle East, and North America. Her career reflects a blend of deep analytical expertise and executive leadership within complex national security environments.

  After retiring from government service, Ash moved into the private sector, where she serves as an executive coach, board advisor, and leadership consultant. Her work centers on trust, decision-making, and leading through uncertainty, drawing on lessons from her intelligence career to guide executives and organizations. Through speaking engagements, coaching, and advisory roles, she offers a practical, systems-level approach to understanding how trust is built, evaluated, and sustained in high-stakes settings. Ash is a member of the BPIA Advisory Council.

  Sheronda Dorsey is a retired Central Intelligence Agency senior executive, business enterprise manager, and executive leadership coach with a strong record of inclusive leadership and results-driven performance. She brings deep expertise in human capital strategy, talent management and development, workforce engagement, and organizational and business transformation, particularly in the context of mergers, stand-ups, and turnarounds. Her background also includes extensive experience in business operations, service delivery, performance management, and strategic planning.

  In the latter part of her 36-year CIA career, she oversaw the full employee lifecycle for the agency’s global workforce, including recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, succession planning, and retention. She is well acquainted with the National Society of High School Scholars, having served for several years as one of the CIA’s principal liaisons to the organization in support of recruitment efforts.

  
  

  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, March 6, 2026 | 6-8 PM EDT

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

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• Fireside Chat on Strategic Communications & Influence ft. Under-Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General

  • When
    05/02/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Virtual (Zoom)

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Powell Institute Monthly Colloquium ft. Under Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General

  Date & Time: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9-10 am EDT

  Location: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227#success

  Open to: BPIA Member Exclusive 

  
  

  
  

  Event Description:

  Join the BPIA Colin Powell Leadership Institute, in partnership with the BPIA Africa Working Group, for an exclusive monthly Colloquium seminar that is open to the BPIA community featuring Under-Secretary-General Cristina Duarte. 

  This session advances Module 3: Strategic Communication and Influence, focusing on how leaders shape narratives, project executive presence, and communicate persuasively across complex political and public arenas.

  Drawing from global diplomacy, media engagement, and senior public leadership experience, this conversation will examine how communication choices influence credibility, authority, and outcomes in today’s rapidly shifting information environment. Participants will explore narrative framing, audience adaptation, and the strategic use of language as tools of leadership and influence.

  For Questions, email powellinstitute@iabpia.org

  
  

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  Speaker Bio:
  

  The United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) is led by the Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary-General, currently Ms. Cristina Duarte, appointed in July 2020 by Secretary-General António Guterres. Ms. Duarte brings over 34 years of leadership experience in public policy, finance, and international development, with extensive expertise in African economic and institutional reform. She previously served as Cabo Verde’s Minister of Finance and Planning (2006–2016) and held advisory and leadership roles with major international institutions including the UN, World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank, as well as senior positions at Citibank. She holds advanced degrees in international management, business administration, and public policy, and is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

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• BPIA Skate Day: A 1990's Hip-Hop Skate Social

  • When
    07/11/2026
  •  
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Temple Hill Skate Palace, 3132 Branch Ave, Temple Hills, MD, 20748

  Register

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  BPIA Skate Day

  A 1990’s Hip-Hop Skate Social

  
  

  Join BPIA for BPIA Skate Day—a high-energy 1990's hip-hop skate social designed to bring our community together through music, movement, and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping onto the rink for the first time, this family-friendly afternoon is all about wellness, nostalgia, and good vibes.

  This event is open to BPIA members and friends, and all skill levels are welcome. Entry is at the attendee’s expense. We look forward to rolling into summer with you!

  
  

  What to Expect:

  • 90s hip-hop soundtrack

  • Casual skating and socializing

  • Wellness through movement

  • Open to all skill levels

  • Skates are available for rent on-site.

  
  

  RSVP: https://iabpia.org/event-6576446 

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