Our Mission

LAAAWPPI’s mission is to increase the numbers of African-American women in leadership positions in the public policy, civic and political arenas by providing professional development through educational programs, seminars, workshops and personal networking strategies and opportunities.

Our Vision

LAAAWPPI will be a recognized contributor and leader in the development of African-American women leaders who will impact communities through social, civic and public engagement.

Our History

The Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI) is the brainchild of the Los Angeles African American Women Political Action Committee (LAAAWPAC), and was introduced at LAAAWPAC’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration in April of 2002.

Although conceived by LAAAWPAC, LAAAWPPI is a separately organized, non-partisan, non-profit organization with the goal of preparing women for leadership in business, government and the community.

Hosted on the campus of the University of Southern California, LAAAWPPI offers a 10-week comprehensive educational institute for women interested in becoming more engaged in the public policy process and in pursuing careers and opportunities as government, civic, corporate and non-profit leaders and members of boards and commissions. The instructors for the classes include individuals who have distinguished themselves in the corporate, public policy and, government arenas.

LAAAWPPI graduated its inaugural class of 11 dynamic women in June of 2004. Now celebrating its 19th graduating class, LAAAWPPI is proud to have more than 366 distinguished alumnae.

LAAAWPPI receives support from various corporations and organizations, including AT&T, GEM Communications, Metropolitan Water District, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, State Farm, the University of Southern California and Verizon.