Contact: Shrita Sterlin-Hernandez, media@cbcfinc.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) hosted a Closing Ceremony to congratulate the 2012–2014 cohort of the Leadership Institute for Public Service (LIPS) CBCF Fellowship Program on completion of their 20-month program in public policy training. The event took place at Altria Client Services, Inc., on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Family, friends and LIPS program supporters gathered to bid farewell to the graduating class of the Congressional Fellowship Program, the Donald M. Payne Foreign Policy Fellows Program and the Louis Stokes Urban Health Public Policy Fellows Program.
Over the past 20 months, eight fellows participated in drafting legislation, coordinating policy forums and developing a community service project in partnership with Covenant House to mentor homeless youth. For nearly 40 years, the CBCF Fellowship Program has equipped rising leaders with high-level training in congressional and committee offices in an effort to eliminate disparities in African-American employment on Capitol Hill.
“From working for congressional committees to serving people in their local communities, our fellows took advantage of every opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative process and the inner workings of Congress while building upon their personal missions to become strong leaders in public service,” stated CBCF President and CEO A. Shuanise Washington. “The outcome is a great body of work, rich experiences and rising leaders who are prepared to make a positive difference in the world.”
Fellows were welcomed into the distinguished 1,000-member-plus CBCF Alumni Association with certificates and lapel pins given by CBCF Board of Directors Chairman Rep. Chaka Fattah, Washington, CBCF Alumni Association President Ifeome Ike, and LIPS and Scholarship Programs Manager Christina Sullivan-Mutia. CBCF Alum and Congressional Liaison Office in the Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs at USAID Youshea Berry delivered a motivational keynote address.
“I am energized by the service, growth and continued development of the 2012–2014 Class of CBCF Fellows,” said Washington, “It is my hope that they use the tools they gained as CBCF fellows to empower the lives of those they encounter.”
The CBCF Fellows Program is supported by Altria Client Services, Inc.; American Petroleum Institute; The Boeing Company; Boy Scouts of America; BP Foundation; Exxon Mobil Corporation; Google, Inc.; Major League Baseball; and PepsiCo. Through their commitment to the fellows program, CBCF is able to develop the next generation of leaders.
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