The African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) stands as a prominent non-partisan, non-profit organization. AAFEA is dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.
AAFEA's Founding and Vision
AAFEA was founded in February 2002 by William A. Brown, Sr., Tracey Pinson, Dr. Lenora Gant, and Catherine Bland, and incorporated as a non-partisan organization by the State of Maryland. AAFEA’s vision is to be widely recognized as the leading non-partisan non-profit organization dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.
AAFEA promotes the professional development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Federal Government. AAFEA sponsors programs and advocates for policies that enhance the opportunities for African Americans to serve our nation in senior-level positions.
Strategic Priorities & Goals
AAFEA has outlined several strategic priorities and goals to guide its efforts:
- Deliver High Quality Continuing Professional and Leadership Development Programs for SES at All Levels of Seniority
- Deliver High Quality Professional and Leadership Development Programs for GS-13 to GS-15 (or equivalent) aspiring to senior levels of government
- Enhanced Member Service and Engagement
- Enhance Administrative Operations
- Promote AAFEA Brand and Recognition as a Resource and Association of National Thought leaders.
Membership
AAFEA membership is open to active and retired federal employees in grades GS-13 through SES (or equivalent). If you are ready to join or renew now, please click the link below to pay online.
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Benefits of membership in AAFEA:
- Access to current and retired members of the SES and other high ranking federal officials.
- Participation in the AAFEA mentoring program.
- Access to the AAFEA Scholarship Program.
AAFEA distributes information to our members regarding high-level GS and SES vacancies as they occur and we are asked by federal agencies to distribute the information.
AAFEA Member Meeting Calendar
The AAFEA Meeting Calendar for the Membership Year includes General Membership Meetings, SES Coffee Talks, Special Events, and Board Meetings.
- General Membership Meetings are open to all current, financial members. In general, meetings are typically scheduled over the lunchtime period.
- SES Coffee Talks are open to all current, financial members. The SES Coffee Talk series is a small group (20-40 person) discussion forum. Forum leaders provide personal insights into the journey to the SES and the executive responsibilities and challenges faced by established and newly minted members of the Senior Executive Service.
- Special Events include the Spring / Fall / Holiday Socials and the Annual Workshop. The Board meetings are held the 1st Thursday of each month at the City Club, Washington, D.C., except in July and August.
AAFEA Programs and Initiatives
Fellows Program
Annually, the AAFEA Fellows Program identifies a select group of high-performing federal leaders to participate in a rigorous 1-year developmental program designed to prepare them to compete for senior leadership and executive positions in the federal government.
The overarching goal of the AAFEA Fellows Program is to prepare high-performing aspiring federal leaders to successfully navigate the Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring process.
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Key Program Components:
- Regular one-on-one mentoring sessions with a current or former career member of the SES.
- A Clifton Strengths Assessment and Insights Report with a coaching session on aiming your Strengths.
- One set of OPM Executive Core Qualifications narratives.
- Mock SES interviews with feedback from a panel of seasoned SESs.
- Design, implementation, and evaluation of a Capstone Project aligned with the AAFEA Strategic Priorities.
- Graduation celebration during the annual AAFEA Leadership Workshop.
Next Generation Career Development Plan (CDP) Program
Annually, the AAFEA will identify a select group of GS-13, GS-14, and equivalent level federal employees to participate in its Next Generation Career Development Plan (CDP) Program. The CDP program is a rigorous 6-month developmental program designed to prepare participants to compete for advanced career positions in the federal government.
Awards and Recognition
AAFEA recognizes outstanding contributions through various awards:
- William A. Brown, Sr. Scholarship Award: Established in honor of one of AAFEA’s founders and its first national president.
- Dr. Lenora P. Gant Community Partner Award: In honor of AAFEA co-founder, Dr. Lenora P. Gant.
- Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award: Established in memory of Samuel C. Jones, a longstanding, devoted, and committed AAFEA mentor.
- National Security Executive Professional Association (NSEPA) Scholarship Award: Award to deserving AAFEA members within the Intelligence/National Security community.
- The Bassett Award: Recognizes career members of the Senior Executive Service and non-career senior federal officials for distinguished service to our nation.
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Addressing Obstacles to Equal Employment
In January 2010, the EEOC commissioned a work group to identify the obstacles that remain in the federal workplace that hinder equal employment opportunities for African Americans. Dialogue partners identified many obstacles to achieving equality for African Americans in the federal workforce, and provided recommendations for overcoming those obstacles.
Key Obstacles Identified:
- Unconscious biases and perceptions: Unconscious biases and perceptions about African Americans still play a significant role in employment decisions in the federal sector.
- Lack of mentoring and networking opportunities: African Americans lack adequate mentoring and networking opportunities for higher level and management positions.
- Insufficient training and development: Insufficient training and development assignments perpetuate inequalities in skills and opportunities for African Americans.
Recommendations to address these obstacles:
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- Conduct unconscious bias training for all employees.
- Agencies should establish formal mentoring programs and monitor their effectiveness in increasing equal employment opportunities.
- Agencies should ensure that standards for granting training are transparent and objective.
Leadership
The AAFEA Board of Directors includes retired and current members of the Senior Executive Service and other high-ranking federal executives.
Current Leadership:
- President: Tyra A. Dent (SES Retired)
- President-Elect: Dr. Patrina Clark (SES)
- Financial Secretary: Angel M. Robinson (SES)
- Treasurer: Mark Attucks (SES Retired)
- General Counsel: Kerry Neal (SES)
- Parliamentarian: Tanya Lawrence (SES)
- Historian: Roxie J. Jones (SES Retired)
- Secretary: Tatiana Nwankwo
- Member-At-Large: Dr. James McDonald (SES)
- Chancellor: Gisile Goethe (SES)
- Membership Director: L’Tonya Davis
- Program Director: Dr.
AAFEA continues to serve as a vital resource and advocate for African Americans in the federal government, promoting their professional development and advancement into leadership roles.
