Our Monthly Happy Hour Continues!

Our Monthly Virtual Happy Hour is one of the most cherished experiences within the IBWPPI community. It’s a time when we come together to connect, share, learn, and uplift one another in a relaxed and inspiring environment. From powerful guest speakers to meaningful conversations, Happy Hour has become a space where we are recharged, informed, and empowered.

Unfortunately, during our February and March Happy Hours, we experienced unexpected and deeply upsetting disruptions. In February, an intruder shared explicit content on-screen. In March, the entire meeting was hacked and shut down. These incidents were disheartening and an affront to the safe and sacred space we’ve worked so hard to build.

We took the month of April off to regroup, reflect, and most importantly—reinforce. After consulting with our cybersecurity team, we are implementing a new security measure to ensure that our true together remains protected and positive.

Starting in May, Happy Hour will be open to MEMBERS ONLY.

This change allows us to maintain the intimate and secure environment that our members deserve.

Mark your calendars for our return: Wednesday, May 22, 2025

You don’t want to miss it!

Our Monthly Happy Hour is an excellent opportunity to:

• Stay Informed: Understand the current political landscape and how it impacts our communities.
• Get Inspired: Hear from phenomenal speakers sharing wisdom, experience, and tools for growth.
• Connect and Empower: Engage with fellow IBWPPI members, exchange ideas, and build sisterhood.

We can’t wait to see you back in the Zoom room—stronger, safer, and more connected than ever. Let’s keep this special tradition alive and thriving!

Welcome to Our Newest IBWPPI Members!

It is with immense joy and gratitude that we extend a heartfelt welcome to the newest members of the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI). You are now part of a powerful and purpose-driven sisterhood committed to advocacy, impact, and transformation across the globe.

Here at IBWPPI, we believe that when Black women lead, communities thrive. Your presence strengthens our mission and expands our collective ability to create policy that centers our voices, champions justice, and builds bridges across generations and nations.

Tribute to honorable Alexis Herman

Trailblazer. Stateswoman. Sister in Service

In Loving tribute to the Honorable Alexis Herman

It is with profound sadness and deep reverence that we honor the life and legacy of the Honorable Alexis M. Herman, who transitioned on April 25, 2025. Secretary Herman was a woman of extraordinary vision, intellect, and commitment, an icon whose influence reached from the White House to the grassroots, from boardrooms to the global stage.

A native of Mobile, Alabama, Alexis Herman made history as the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor, appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997. Before that, she had already broken barriers in both the public and private sectors, advancing labor rights, women’s leadership, and equitable economic policy. Her career was driven by a passion for justice and belief in the dignity of work.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of meeting Secretary Herman in the mid-1990s through my mentor, Dr. Dorothy I. Height. I traveled with these two remarkable women to Zimbabwe and Johannesburg, South Africa. I watched, listened, and learned what it meant to be present in international rooms, not just physically, but with substance, grace, and conviction. Secretary Herman modeled that power beautifully. Her poise and authority in diplomatic spaces shaped my own understanding of global Black womanhood and leadership.

Secretary Herman’s support of the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI) was steadfast. Just seven months ago, in September 2024, we had the joy and honor of presenting her with the We See You Awards International. She humbly accepted the recognition, expressing her deep respect for the sisterhood.

Her transition leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her light endures, in the policies she helped shape, in the women she mentored, and in the institutions she strengthened. Among those mourning this profound loss is our own Honorable Paula Cox, former Premier of Bermuda, and IBWPPI Senior Advisor. Secretary Herman and Premier Cox shared a relationship built on mutual admiration, wisdom, and solidarity.

The women of IBWPPI, our Board of Directors, and the global community of Black women leaders stand in gratitude for her service and in commitment to carry forward the legacy she leaves behind.

We will miss her, but we will remember her and continue the work, strengthened by her example.

With eternal gratitude and honor,

Barbara A. Perkins President & CEO, IBWPPI

INTRODUCING: “WHAT WE MUST NEVER FORGET” A LEGACY SPOTLIGHT FROM IBWPPI

Across the globe, deliberate efforts are underway to erase, distort, or diminish the history of Black people, especially Black women. These forces seek to bury our stories, silence our voices, and devalue our contributions. In response, we at the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI) are reclaiming space, raising our voices, and ensuring our legacy is documented, remembered, and passed on.

This month, we are launching a new section of our newsletter titled What We Must Never Forget, a living archive of truth, triumph, and testimony.

When we remember who we are, we cannot be erased

– Dr. Barbara A. Perkins

IBWPPI: Our Origin, Our Vision, Our Commitment

Founders:

Barbara A. Perkins and Ka Flewellen founded the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute in 2009, inspired by a shared vision to create a global platform that would center and champion Black women’s needs, contributions, and priorities.

The Vision:

To connect and advocate for Black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy.

The Mission:

IBWPPI is the convener of hearings and discussions to evaluate the impact of current public policies and to initiate new policies that address major threats to the well-being of Black women, their families, and communities.

We support, train, and place women in internships and fellowships that bring the voice and agenda of Black women into the public policy arena.

Governance and Structure:

IBWPPI operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our board is comprised of women from diverse backgrounds and countries who bring a wealth of experience, wisdom, and cultural insight to our mission.

Who Are We?

Our Vision is to connect and advocate for Black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy. Our Mission is to work in the US and internationally to convene hearings and discussions to evaluate the impact of current public policies and to initiate new policies that address the major threats to the well-being of Black women and our families.

Our programs reflect the policy work we are engaged in daily. We believe that our policy focus informs our programs.

Where can you see yourself?

The Birthing Initiative aims to reduce maternal deaths and address Period Poverty, ensuring girls can participate in daily activities without hindrance. Being strong advocates for birthing centers and birthing services in the rural south and on the continent of Africa.

The Boots on the Ground Initiative provides essential foot covering to communities affected by hurricanes and floods preventing waterborne diseases. Also, provide footwear for women who farm and provide food for their families. We also provide disaster relief and resources to families negatively impacted by natural disasters both at home in the US and abroad.

Women’s Economic Empowerment Micro Loan Program supports entrepreneurs in Haiti and Ghana, supporting local businesses and creating a sustainable system of economic empowerment for rural communities.

The Reading Room Initiative establishes spaces for children to read and dream, with centers in the Bahamas, Kumasi, Ghana, and Belize. We provide inspiring books, for example, Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” adapted for children, and introductory educational materials on Climate Change.

Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy prepares the next generation of global leaders and advocates for their deployment into non-traditional spaces. The world needs prepared leaders more than ever and our six-month global leadership development program answers the call. In less than four years we have trained over sixty new international leaders and have facilitated their international engagement.