Black Professionals in International Affairs upcoming events

(Virtual) Monthly Meeting - BPIA Business and Economic Development Committee (04/26/2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

BPIA Business and Economic Development Committee Monthly Meeting

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Zoom
Join Link: https://hbs.zoom.us/j/92162128806?pwd=rSvv4LDlsW5iXp5HbRuhFiukhXaDsk.1

Join the BPIA Business and Economic Development (BED) Committee for our upcoming monthly meeting — a space for connection, collaboration, and action among members interested in advancing economic initiatives.

What You’ll Gain

Learn how to get involved in BED initiatives
Explore opportunities to host and lead events
Connect with BPIA members across sectors

Who Should Attend

We invite:

BPIA members
Professionals and students interested in economic development
Individuals engaged in policy, trade, investment, entrepreneurship, diaspora engagement, and global affairs

Open to all BPIA members and the broader community.
Advance registration is encouraged.

[UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENT] "The Role of AI in International Development and Its Impact on Our Environment" - BPIA DialogueHouse Discussion (04/30/2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

REGISTER HERE

Discussion Topic: “The Role of AI in International Development & Its Impact on Our Environment”

Date & Time: Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 12:00pm - 1:00 pm ET

Location (Zoom): https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85370808411

Open to: The BPIA Community At-Large

Meet the Speakers

Welton O’Neal III - Policy Analyst (Governance & Decision-Making)
Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Consultant (Gender, Conflict Transformation & AI)
Samuel Nixon Jr - CEO & Educator (AI & Workforce Development)
Columbus Tabuo - AI Engineer & Founder, UNREAL (AI & Business Transformation)
Jasmine Rename - Research Program Manager (Clinical Psychology & AI)

+ Featured AI Expert & Former BPIA Board Member - Jonathon Cummings
(Alliance Management & Public Sector Consulting - GovTech & AI Partnerships)

About the Session

BPIA’s DialogueHouse Discussion Series creates a community-centered space for members to thoughtfully engage with the global issues shaping our world.

Our April session will examine the role of AI in International Development & Its Impact on Our Environment.

This discussion is designed as a low-lift, open dialogue space for shared learning and exchange across global diplomacy, policy, and leadership.

What We’ll Explore

How AI is shaping work and decision-making
Its role in development and inequality
Implications for environmental sustainability
Its influence on global systems and power

What to Expect

Real perspectives across policy, technology, gender, education, and health
A featured expert insight connecting global trends
A structured, interactive conversation (not a webinar)

This is not about being an expert. It’s about engaging, learning, and contributing to the conversation.

Who Should Attend

Students and young professionals
Policy and development practitioners
Anyone curious about how AI is shaping global systems

Sign up today and add your voice to the conversation.

Register here: [Link Here]

BPIA May First Friday: Mentor-Mentee Social Mixer (05/01/2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

BPIA May First Friday

Foreign Affairs Social Mixer

Mentor-Mentee Social Mixer

Join BPIA for our May First Friday — an evening centered on mentorship, connection, and shared growth across the international affairs community. Whether you are seeking guidance, offering experience, or simply looking to expand your network, this gathering creates space for meaningful exchange between mentors and emerging professionals.

Through conversation and community, we will highlight the importance of mentorship in shaping careers, strengthening leadership, and expanding access across diplomacy, policy, national security, and global development. Attendees will have the opportunity to build relationships, share insights, and engage with peers and leaders who are committed to supporting the next generation.

This evening brings together members, partners, and rising professionals for a dynamic and welcoming environment to connect, learn from one another, and continue building a strong and supportive BPIA network.

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

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, May 1, 2026 | 6-8 PM EDT

Apply Today! BPIA Leadership Opportunities [Deadline: May 1] (05/01/2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 03:59:00 GMT

APPLY TODAY

We invite members of the BPIA community to apply for open leadership roles, including Vice President of Operations, Vice Chair of the Finance Committee as well as the Tech & Security Lead of the Executive Committee. These roles offer an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to BPIA’s strategic direction, programming, and organizational effectiveness.

Selected leaders will collaborate with a diverse group of professionals committed to advancing policy engagement, education, and global leadership. Participants will help guide initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and support the overall mission of the organization.

More information on each open position can be found on the Application Form!

General Responsibilities may include:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight
Contributing to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of committee initiatives and organizational priorities.

Meeting Participation and Reporting
Attending regular committee and leadership meetings, providing updates on activities, and contributing to discussions on progress, challenges, and opportunities.

Documentation and Coordination
Supporting reporting, meeting records, internal communications, and cross-committee coordination, as appropriate to the role.

Decision-Making and Governance Support
Providing informed input and helping guide decisions related to programs, operations, and organizational development.

Deadline: Friday, May 1 at 11:59 PM EST

Fireside Chat on Strategic Communications & Influence ft. Under-Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General (05/02/2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

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.

In Full Bloom: 2026 Madam Ambassador Program Closing Ceremony Garden Party & Afternoon Tea (05/08/2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Step into an afternoon of elegance, celebration, and global distinction. ✨

Join us for the 2026 Madam Ambassador Program Closing Ceremony Garden Party & Afternoon Tea, a signature gathering that brings together emerging leaders, distinguished diplomats, and a powerful community committed to global impact. This is more than an event, it is a moment.

IN FULL BLOOM: Madam Ambassador Program Closing Ceremony Garden Party & Afternoon Tea
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM ET
Location: Arlington, Virginia (Venue shared upon registration)

Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 Madam Ambassador Delegates alongside esteemed keynote speakers, Ambassadors, and leaders in international affairs, including luxury entrepreneur Sherri Beckstead and Ambassador (Ret.) Pamela Spratlen. Expect meaningful remarks, curated music, and a refined atmosphere designed to inspire and connect.

Indulge in a full afternoon tea experience featuring tea service, light hors d’oeuvres, and elegant refreshments, all set within a beautifully styled garden environment. ☕

General Public Tickets: $45.00

Full Table (Seats 8): $360.00

Come dressed in your finest garden party chic, from florals and pastels to statement hats and polished looks, as we honor excellence in style and substance.

✨ Limited seating. Tables and individual tickets available
✨ Advanced registration required. No tickets will be sold at the door

Secure your place at one of the most anticipated gatherings of the season.

For questions, please contact madamambassador@iabpia.org.

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Keynote Speaker #1 - Ambassador (ret.) Pamela L. Spratlen

Pamela L. Spratlen is a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer and former United States Ambassador with nearly three decades of distinguished service in American diplomacy. Over the course of her career with the U.S. Department of State, she held senior leadership roles across multiple regions, advancing U.S. foreign policy, strengthening bilateral relationships, and navigating complex geopolitical environments.

Ambassador Spratlen served as U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic from 2011 to 2014 and to Uzbekistan from 2015 to 2018, becoming one of the few American diplomats to lead two ambassadorial posts. Her tenure in Central Asia was marked by a sustained focus on regional stability, economic engagement, and governance, including supporting Kyrgyzstan’s democratic transition and helping to expand U.S.–Uzbekistan cooperation during a period of renewed diplomatic engagement.

In addition to her ambassadorial roles, she served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Kazakhstan and held several senior positions in Washington, including Director of Central Asian Affairs and Director of Western European Affairs. Her overseas assignments also included postings in Russia, France, and Guatemala, reflecting a career defined by global reach and cross-regional expertise.

Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Ambassador Spratlen worked in the California State Legislature, focusing on higher education policy and public service initiatives. She is a recipient of multiple Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards from the Department of State and was awarded Uzbekistan’s Order of Friendship, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of her contributions to bilateral relations.

Ambassador Spratlen continues to engage in international affairs as a mentor, advisor, and speaker, contributing her expertise to leading institutions including the American Academy of Diplomacy and the Eurasia Foundation.

Keynote Speaker #2 - Sherri Beckstead

Sherrie Beckstead is a luxury business leader, entrepreneur, and horologist with a distinguished career spanning high-end jewelry, timepieces, and experiential brand development. She is widely recognized for her expertise in the luxury retail sector and her ability to blend craftsmanship, innovation, and strategic growth to build enduring brands.

Beckstead serves as a partner at Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers and Lenkersdorfer Jewelers, where she plays a central role in shaping the firms’ continued success through strategic investment, operational leadership, and a deep understanding of the evolving luxury marketplace. Her work reflects a commitment not only to excellence in retail, but to cultivating long-term value, client trust, and brand legacy within the industry.

As the founder and president of The Lockkeepers Collection, Beckstead has expanded her leadership into curated luxury experiences and bespoke design, emphasizing artistry, heritage, and the enduring value of finely crafted objects. Her approach to luxury centers on storytelling, cultural depth, and elevating both product and experience beyond transactional engagement.

Her influence extends internationally. Beckstead has been invited to contribute to global conversations at the intersection of culture, technology, and design, including moderating a panel on cultural diplomacy in Berlin and speaking at the Future of Digital Countries Summit in Cairo on the integration of artificial intelligence in luxury jewelry and design.

In recognition of her leadership and impact, she has been named among the world's most influential leaders and continues to shape the future of luxury through innovation, cross-sector engagement, and a commitment to excellence. Her work reflects a broader vision, one that bridges tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and technology, and business growth with cultural significance.

[BPIA PARTNER EVENT] Asian American Chamber of Commerce "Lunch with Leaders" Luncheon (05/12/2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

REGISTER HERE

"Lunch with Leaders" Luncheon

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Join BPIA for an Exclusive "Lunch with Leaders" Luncheon - a partner-hosted event in celebration of Asian heritage month, bringing together leaders and emerging professionals.

Key discussion areas include:

Gain insights from exceptional speakers
Connect with influential leaders in the region
Explore pathways for future success and collaboration

This is a partner event approved by BPIA and shared with our community for awareness and participation.

Member: $30 | Future Member: $40

Venue: PNC Place, 12th Floor, 800 17th st NW, Washington, DC 20006

⏰ Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM

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

BPIA Skate Day: A 1990's Hip-Hop Skate Social (07/11/2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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