Mission and Story
Mission and Story
Alexandria J. Maloney, MPA
A Woman on a Mission
President, Black Professionals in International Affairs
Visiting Lecturer, Cornell University
Director of External Affairs, Kettering Foundation
Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council Africa Center
Founder, Colin Powell Leadership Institute and Madam Ambassador Program
As an avid “do-er,” Alexandria believes the collective agency of humanity must be used to design the world we desire. A trained systems thinker, she draws inspiration from philosophy, the arts, and the sciences to reimagine how institutions function — and how leaders can operate with imagination, integrity, and impact.
Since 2021, she has led BPIA, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to increasing the involvement of people of African descent in international affairs. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its digital reach from 900 to over 17,000 members and followers, launched the Colin Powell Leadership Institute and the Madam Ambassador Program, secured new philanthropic partnerships, and redefined its position as a national voice for leadership diversity in global engagement.
By age 31, Alexandria was named among the Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) and recognized by Forbes as a Champion for Black and Brown Communities for her leadership in building ecosystems that educate, prepare, and empower underrepresented professionals across sectors. Her mission is clear: to cultivate a more peaceful, safe, and harmonious world by equipping leaders with the tools, insight, and imagination to build it.
At the Kettering Foundation, she helps advance democracy and civic trust worldwide by strengthening international partnerships and fostering dialogue across government, civil society, and the private sector. As a Visiting Lecturer at Cornell University, she prepares future public sector leaders to think critically about diplomacy, governance, and institutional transformation — bridging theory with real-world application.
In 2025, Alexandria was selected as a Lewis Latimer Fellow, a program recognizing innovators using technology and design to address complex global challenges. Through the fellowship, she collaborates with the RAND Corporation on data-driven governance models and will present her research at the Edison Awards and the MIT AI Futures Summit.
Her experience also includes roles with the White House Initiative for HBCUs and the U.S. Department of Defense, and she continues to serve as a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center, focusing on diaspora engagement and global cooperation. Alexandria also lends her expertise as an advisor to organizations including the United Nations Association–National Capital Area, John Cabot University, Cornell Brooks School Alumni Council, and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Bell Committee.
A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Washington Spinoza Philosophy Society, and Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandria integrates intellect, faith, and service in all dimensions of her work. She holds a B.A. in International Affairs from John Cabot University in Rome, an M.A. in International Studies from Morgan State University, and an M.P.A. from Cornell University. She is currently a doctoral student pursuing her Ph.D in the Philosophy of Hate and Social Cohesion.
Her professional and personal philosophy remains rooted in one belief: that the future of humanity depends on our ability to learn, lead, and imagine together.
Spotlight: Maloney Remarks on Africa and the Future of Humanity at the Latimer Futures Summit at MIT
September 2025
In this dynamic conversation, Alexandria J. Maloney, a 2025 Lewis Latimer Fellow, joins Darrell M. Blocker, former CIA officer and global security expert, in a powerful dialogue moderated by John Burns. Together, they explore The Continent—Africa—as a central force shaping the future worlds: from governance and innovation to global diplomacy, technology, and cultural power.
This discussion is part of the Latimer Futures Summit, an initiative of the Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program, which brings together thought leaders reimagining diplomacy, leadership, and human progress across emerging frontiers. Through this lens, Alexandria and her peers illuminate how the next century will be defined not only by policy but by imagination, systems thinking, and the moral architecture of leadership.
Alexandria Maloney proudly serves on multiple advisory boards committed to educational advancement, innovation, and impact. Her work centers on advancing inclusive solutions and empowering communities through service.
President, Black Professionals in International Affairs
Advisory Member, Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy MPA Alumni Council
Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (Rome, Italy)
Advisory Member, 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial National American Bell
Advisory Member, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area
Advisory Member, Young Leaders for Arts & Health (Lagos, Nigeria)
Founder, BPIA Madam Ambassador Program
Founding Chair, 2025 AI Innovation Summit
Founder, JCU Women's Leadership Initative
Summits
Co-Host, Africa House IMF Week Summit (2025)
Galas
Co-Host, Africa House IMF Week Gala (2025)
Chair, BPIA Jazz Brunch at the Kennedy Center (2024)
Chair, BPIA 35th Garden of Legends Fundraising Gala (2024)
Chair, Cornell Brooks Fundraising Gala (2019)
Networking Receptions
Host, BPIA First Fridays Social Mixer (ongoing)
Chair, BPIA-Swiss Diplomatic Reception (2024)
Host Committee Member, Night of Elevated Synergy at the Kennedy Center co-hosted BPIA, Asian American Chamber of Commerce & 25+ partners (2025)
Chair, BPIA Night at the Kennedy Center: Ballet and VIP Reception (2024)
Chair, UN International Decade of Persons of African Decent Celebration Program (2021)
Host Committee Member, Sharebaby Fundraising Gala (2025)
Chair, 2024 International Women's Day Celebration Dinner ft. HRH Amb. Reema Al Saud
Senior Non-Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council's Africa Center
Member, Washington Spinoza Philosophy Club
Member, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated
2023 ICAP Fellow, International Career Advancement Program
Member, Alfred Street Baptist Church
Participant, CFR Young Professional Briefing Series
PAST AFFILIATIONS
Founding Chair, DINS Working Group, Foreign Policy for America
Member, YGLN, European Leadership Network
Intermediate Member, University Club of Tampa
Defense Council Member, Truman National Security Project
Member, Wake-Robin Golf Club (First African-American Women's Golf Club)
Forbes - Announced as Forbes 50 Champion for Black and Brown Communities
Atlantic Council - Experts React: Alexandria J. Maloney on Why Trump should anticipate the need for US engagement in Africa
Monarch Magazine: Leadership Profile Feature: Alexandria J. Maloney
Atlantic Council: Atlantic Council's Africa Center Announces Eight New Fellows
MIPAD: Announced as Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD)
African-American Golfers Digest: Official Letter from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in support of Diversity in Golf
Cornell University: Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy - "Alexandria Maloney MPA ’19: Building the next Generation of Inclusive DEIJ+ Leaders"
Diplomatic Watch Written By Alexandria J. Maloney
The Future of Diplomacy Takes Center Stage at the 2025 Edison Awards
Africa House Future Forum 2025 Propels Continental Growth in Davos
Chess in Slums Africa Students to Compete on International Stage
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: BPIA Wreath Laying Ceremony Marks General Colin Powell’s Birthday
Featured in a Diplomatic Watch Article
Historic First in Europe: Maloney & Turner Join JCU Board of Trustees
Diplomatic Watch Debuts Women in Diplomacy Event in Washington, D.C.
BPIA’s Garden of Legends Gala: Honoring Black Excellence in International Affairs
Sister Cities International Holds UN International Day of Women in Diplomacy
Swiss Ambassador Hosts Celebration for BPIA’s 35th Anniversary
Join Us for Women in Diplomacy: Leadership, Impact, and Engagement on March 28, 2025
UNA-NCA Honors Human Rights Champions at 2024 Awards Ceremony
Monarch Podcast: Inclusivity and Opportunities
FedUpward: 188. Black Professionals in international Affairs - Professional Organization Spotlight
Arlington (VA) Links Inc. Podcast "Linked In Impact" STEAM Plus Pathways
Next in Foreign Policy: DEI with Alexandria Maloney
Kind of An Expert: Inclusivity, the Global BLM Movement w/ Alexandria Maloney
Atlantic Council (2025) - Black History Month Program: Access, Opportunity, and the Future of Inclusion (2025) - Read More
Atlantic Council (2024) - From Ideas to Impact Social Impact Panel (2024) - Read More
Council on Foreign Relations (2023) - Conference on Diversity in International Affairs - Should I stay or Should I go? Retaining Diverse Talent in the Workforce - Read More
Council on Foreign Relations (2024) - BPIA Roundtable on Global Conflicts w/ Paul Stares - Read More
Heritage Foundation (2023) - The Future of Foreign Policy Forum - Watch Here
British Embassy in Washington (2024) - Celebrating Diversity in British History: Fireside Chat with Ambassador Karen Pierce (2024)
British Embassy in Washington (2024) - The Importance of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion as Critical Reform Priorities in National Security - Read More
G20 Civil Society Summit (2020) - Young People Driving Global Governance and Local Action -Watch Here
Deloitte Executive Fireside Chat Series (2022) - BPIA Fireside Chat Leadership Series ft. Undersecretary Bonnie Jenkins, Marcia Bernicat, and more - Read More
World Affairs Council - The Importance of Diversity & Representation in American Foreign Policy - Read More
National Security Innovation Network (NISN) (2022) - Gender Diversity and National Security Innovation (2022) - Watch Here
Capitol Hill: African Diaspora Day on the Hill - (2024) - The New Africa:Defying the Odds in Innovation and Building Unity (2024)