Cultivating and Sustaining the Next Generation of Federal Leaders
A chance encounter of William A. Brown, Sr., Tracey Pinson, and Dr. Lenora Gant, at a Harvard University Professional Development Program in 2002 that sparked a shocking discovery: they were the only African Americans participating in this training opportunity with over 130 individuals in attendance. These pillars in federal government realized then there was an absence of opportunity, requiring additional assistance to cultivate African American leadership. Through the assistance of fourth founder Catherin Bland, the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into and within the senior ranks of the federal government.
On this FEDtalk, AAFEA President Tyra Dent joins host Natalia Castro to discuss the organization’s history and programs aimed at supporting African American public servants in achieving leadership roles. Dent further provides an overview of AAFEA’s 20th anniversary event and AAFEA’s future plans to expand their program offerings and networking opportunities.
Currently, AAFEA provides scholarships, training and network opportunities, and programs that foster critical skills development. Among these professional development opportunities are a fellows program and a career development plan program.
“Public service is a high calling. We want to ensure that pride, and level of commitment, and dedication, is sustained,” Dent remarked, “We’re at such a pivotal point in our nation, particularly within the federal workplace. Workforce policy and procedures are shifting more than they have in my entire career in light of the pandemic.”
While the pandemic continues to impact governance, it also cleared some physical barriers. In AAFEA's case, the need to pivot events and benefits meant a significant membership growth and thought leadership development.
The Next Generation Career Development Plan Program selects a group of GS-13, GS-14, and equivalent level federal employees to participate in a rigorous 5-month developmental program designed to prepare them for advanced career positions within the federal government. The program is delivered virtually over Zoom.
AAFEA will accept up to 25 participants for this program. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 18, 2022, at 11:59 PM EST.
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 and executive leadership positions in the federal government.
AAFEA will accept up to 20 participants in the Fellows program. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 22, 2022, at 11:59 PM EST.
To learn more about AAFEA programs, their past and future, listen to the full program now.
You can stream the show online anytime on Federal News Network or listen to FEDtalk on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.