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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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• The Economics of Brain Drain: Migration, Workforce Capacity, and National Competitiveness

  • When
    09/16/2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual (Zoom)

  Register

  
  

  
  

  About the event

  This discussion will bring together experts to examine the economic and social impacts of brain drain on workforce capacity, innovation, and competitiveness, while exploring strategies for talent retention, brain circulation, and diaspora engagement.

  SPEAKERS

  Hon. Fatmata Kamara,

  Educational Attache, Embassy of Sierra Leone

  Fatmata Natasha Kamara is the Education Attaché at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C., where she serves as a key liaison between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and international partners. In her role, she works to strengthen educational diplomacy, promote higher education initiatives, and support collaboration with universities, organizations, and development partners across North America.

  She brings to her position a strong commitment to advancing access to quality education, supporting innovation in higher learning, and creating opportunities for Sierra Leonean students at home and abroad. Natasha is deeply engaged with the Sierra Leonean diaspora community, fostering partnerships that contribute to national development.

  Her vision is to contribute to an inclusive and globally connected education system for Sierra Leone, ensuring that the country’s human capital is empowered to compete and thrive in an interconnected world.

  Tray Hairston, Esq. Attorney

  Public Finance & Economic Development Expert, Certified Economic Developer

  Tray Hairston is an attorney specializing in public finance and economic development, with experience serving as bond counsel on municipal transactions exceeding $2 billion. He previously served as counsel and economic development policy advisor to Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and as a project manager with the Mississippi Development Authority. Recognized nationally, Tray was named a Rising Star by The Bond Buyer for his leadership and innovation in municipal finance. A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), he also provides consulting services to communities and companies across the U.S. Tray has been honored by Mid-South Super Lawyers®, Mississippi College School of Law, and the Mississippi Business Journal for his professional achievements. He is a graduate of Tougaloo College, Belhaven College (MBA), and Mississippi College School of Law (JD).

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Interest Form - Elections & Nominating Subcommittee Volunteer Interest Meeting [Deadline 09/19]

  • When
    09/19/2025

  
  

  
  

  COMPLETE INTEREST FORM HERE 

  Deadline: Thursday, September 19th, 2025 at 11:59pm ET 

  Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) invites you to volunteer during the 2026 BPIA Elections & Nominating Subcommittee.

  The 2026 BPIA election and nomination cycle is critical to shaping the future of our organization. By volunteering, nominating, or participating, you help ensure accountable leadership, transparent governance, and a process that reflects the values of our community.

  By joining as a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Contribute your time and talents to meaningful initiatives
  • Collaborate with passionate professionals across the international affairs community
  • Build your skills, expand your network, and make a lasting impact

  Get involved today—your support strengthens BPIA’s mission and impact.

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  Timeline

  • September 19th – Volunteer Interest Form Deadline

  • September 22nd – Notifications Sent to Volunteers Regarding Selection Status

  • September  24th– 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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• 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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