As the president of the CBCF, Washington leads the
organization in continuing its mission of serving as the premier research and
educational institution dedicated to advancing the global black community,
which includes developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.
She oversees the CBCF’s public policy, research, educational and fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), an annual policy assembly in Washington, D.C., that draws prominent national figures from across politics, business, entertainment, academia, and other sectors with the goal of cultivating engagement in policy discussions on issues that impact black communities around the world.
“We are honored to have Mrs. Washington serve as our
commencement speaker,” said FAMU President Elmira Mangum. “Her outstanding
efforts in advocacy, research, education, civic engagement, and community
relations serve as a great model of excellence for our graduates as they move
forward into their roles as successful contributors to the 21st century global
economy.”
Washington has served in leadership roles at the CBCF for
more than 15 years, including serving as chair of its Board of Directors and
serving on its Corporate Advisory Council.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Washington founded
Washington Solutions, LLC, a strategic counseling firm focused on coalition
building, grassroots advocacy, and political outreach for nonprofits,
government agencies, and businesses.
She previously served as vice president for government
affairs policy and outreach at Altria Corporate Services, where she oversaw
offices in Washington, D.C. and New York. She also managed the company’s
community relations programs and activities throughout the United States and
served as vice president for external affairs. She has held several leadership
positions with Philip Morris Management Corp., including serving as director of
Washington Relations and providing outreach to legislative caucuses in
Congress.
In addition to her extensive work in advocacy, outreach, and
policy, Washington is passionate about philanthropy and civic engagement. She
also serves as a commissioner on the Maryland National Park and Planning
Commission and is the immediate past chair of the board for the National
Coalition on Black Civic Participation. She is a member of the Future PAC,
Community Foundation in Prince George’s County, and The Links, Inc.
Washington has received many honors for her work throughout
her career, including being named among the “Top 40 Under 40″ in the Washington
Metropolitan Area and the “Top 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business” by
The Network Journal Magazine. She is a 2014 “Washington SmartCEO Brava! Award”
honoree and is the recipient of the National Coalition on Black Civic
Participation “Spirit of Democracy Award” and the National Urban League “Donald
H. McGannon Award.”
Washington holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and
Social Sciences from the University of South Carolina and a Cognate in
Mathematics.