WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 29, 2022 — Members of the Board of Directors of the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI) paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Wendall Jones, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, on Thursday, September 29, at the Embassy of The Bahamas, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Suite 530.
Established in 2009 in Washington, D.C., the IBWPPI is governed by 18 women who represent six countries — including The Bahamas, Bermuda, Ghana and Haiti — and 11 major cities across the United States.
Under the theme, “Celebrating Black Women Changing the World,” the IBWPPI on Wednesday evening, September 28, 2022, hosted its “We See You Awards International” gala at the DACOR Bacon House, a historic elegant private mansion in walking distance from the White House, honoring six distinguished women for their “collective generosity and commitment to making life better for women, their families, and communities worldwide.” The honorees included:
- Karen Bass, an American Politician and Social Worker serving as a Member of the U.S. Congress, representing California’s 37th Congressional District.
- Her Excellency Hilda Suka-Mafudze, the Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States.
- LaTosha Brown, an American Community Organizer, Political Strategist, Consultant, and Visionary.
- Ogechukwu (Ogay) Irono, a Non-profit Leader, Philanthropist, Educator, and Counselor.
- Kim Cliett-Long, Ed.D., an American Educator, Cultural Curator, and Alliance Builder.
- Madam Dawn Sutherland, a Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, and International Businesswoman.
According to its website, IBWPPI was “created to be a policy organization that would support and create public policies to enhance the lives of Black women globally.”
“As the only global public policy institute dedicated to, founded by, and led by Black women, we aim to evaluate the impact of current national and international public policy; and support new policies that will address significant threats and disparities to the safety and well-being of Black women, their families, and communities.
“IBWPPI policy agenda includes the Eradication of Violence, Human Sex Trafficking, Black women’s Health and Wellness, Economic Security, and Education.
“For the past seven years, IBWPPI has worked with women in Ghana and South Africa to establish meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships. We have launched projects in Kumasi, with Bridge to Africa Connection Inc., and have adopted schools, a village, and a new birthing clinic. These projects are literally saving lives and providing opportunities for women and girls that are life-changing.”
