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AAFEA is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.

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Browse photos from our 19th Annual Leadership Development Workshop.

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Thanks to our Annual Leadership Development Workshop Sponsors and Strategic Partners over the past two years.

Strategic Partners

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About AAFEA

History

AAFEA was founded in February 2002 by William A. Brown, Sr. (SES Retired); Tracey Pinson (SES Retired; deceased); Dr. Lenora Gant (SES); and Catherine Bland (GS-14 Retired), and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the State of Maryland. We thank our founders for their vision, leadership, and dedication to others!

View AAFEA History Video

Past Presidents

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Leadership

The AAFEA Board of Directors includes retired and current members of the Senior Executive Service and other high-ranking federal executives.

AAFEA Officers

Directors

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Membership

Thank you for your interest in the African American Federal Executive Association, Inc. (AAFEA), a non-profit association founded in February 2002 by African American members of the Federal Senior Executive Service. AAFEA promotes the professional development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Federal Government. We sponsor programs and advocate for policies that enhance the opportunities for African Americans to serve our nation in senior-level positions.AAFEA membership is open to active and retired federal employees in grades GS-13 through SES (or equivalent). Equivalent grades for uniformed service members in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Public Health Service in the rank of Major and higher or equivalent.+

You are part of a network of caring, supportive current, and retired African American senior federal employees dedicated to excellence and helping you achieve your career goals.A separate program fee applies to selected applicants.

New AAFEA Membership Dues StructureMembership Dues:
Active GS-13 to GS-15 (or equivalent in other agencies)
1-Year Membership - $125/year
2-Year Membership - $225/yearActive SES (or equivalent in other agencies)
1-Year Membership - $150/year
2-Year Membership - $275/yearRetired Federal Employees
Retired GS-13 to GS-15 (or equivalent in other agencies) - $50/year
Retired SES (or equivalent in other agencies) - $75/year

AAFEA is now accepting membership applications and renewals. We invite you to join AAFEA!If you are a ready to join or renew now, please click the link below to pay online.

• Join Now!

AAFEA Member Meeting Calendar

The AAFEA Meeting Calendar for the Membership Year includes General Membership Meetings, SES Coffee Talks, Special Events, and Board Meetings. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Washington DC metropolitan area.- General Membership Meetings are open to all current, financial members. Details regarding location and times will be provided to the membership via email in advance of the meeting. 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.To date, the SES Coffee Talk series has presented members of the SES from the National Security Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The forum leaders represent a variety of disciplines including law, foreign relations, human resources, and engineering.The after work forum is held monthly at The City Club in the Washington metropolitan area. The SES Coffee Talks are available to all current AAFEA members and a reservation is required. Dates and locations are announced via the AAFEA newsletter.- Special Events include the Spring / Fall / Holiday Socials and the Annual Workshop. Details regarding these events are posted on the AAFEA website and circulated via email and the AAFEA newsletter.- Board Meetings are open only to AAFEA Board members. The Board meetings are held the 1st Thursday of each month at the City Club, Washington, D.C., except in July and August.Questions about membership? Need more information? Contact AAFEA

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

- What are the benefits of membership in AAFEA?
Benefits include access to current and retired members of the SES and other high ranking federal officials; participation in the AAFEA mentoring program; and access to the AAFEA Scholarship Program. In addition, 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.- Does AAFEA collect resumes or recruit for the federal government?
AAFEA is a private professional organization. We do not recruit for the US government or maintain resumes. Our mission is to ensure the government develops policies and programs that enhance the opportunities for African Americans in the Senior Executive Service. Please note that as a benefit to our members, AAFEA does distribute information regarding federal vacancies as they occur and we are asked by federal agencies to distribute the information.- What is a financial member?
Financial members are those persons whose dues are current and paid in full. If you are in doubt regarding your status, please contact us.- I am a current financial member of AAFEA, but I am not receiving member updates or communications. What should I do?
Please contact AAFEA to ensure that your membership is current and that we have the correct contact information on file. AAFEA suggests that a personal (non-governmental) email address be used for all membership communications.

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Awards & Scholarships

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
2024 AAFEA AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Annually, the AAFEA Board of Directors requests award nominations and accepts scholarship applications to honorably recognize professional achievements of distinguished leaders, influencers, and role models: and support the continued professional development of AAFEA members.Thank you for your assistance in helping AAFEA recognize persons who are demonstrating leadership in ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in the senior ranks of government.

Ebenezer Bassett Award

Criteria

The Bassett Award recognizes career members of the Senior Executive Service and non-career senior federal officials for distinguished service to our nation in-accordance with the following criteria.

1. Career Member of the SES who:
- Has a distinguished career of service to our nation.
- Advocates for diversity in the SES.
- Promotes the professional development and advancement of African-Americans into and within the senior ranks of the U.S. Government.
- Serves as a role model for others through their consistent and exemplary behavior that models the performance expected of a member of the SES.
- Serves as a mentor to African-Americans seeking to enter the SES.
- Enhances opportunities for African-Americans to serve our nation in senior level positions.

2. Non-Career Member of the SES (e.g., a political appointee) whose notable leadership accomplishments have significantly advanced the objectives of AAFEA, which is to promote the development and advancement of African-Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government. Recipients must have demonstrated their accomplishments, by example, direct action, development of significant policy initiatives, or other substantial efforts, which may include:- Achieving Results - Highly effective in achieving positive results/change in the numbers of African-Americans within the senior ranks of the United States Government as a direct result of the individual’s contributions and efforts.
- Leading People - Cooperative collaboration and teamwork across the organizational, directorate, agency, government and/or industry level to accomplish results of a substantial nature.
- Influencing Change - Innovative approaches used in the conception, design, or execution of projects, programs, initiatives, and activities (work represents a high degree of creativity or fundamental departure from usual practice) that advance the mission of the Executive’s agency or other organization.
- Role Model - Through their consistent and exemplary behavior, models the performance expected of a member of the SES, which due to their position, significantly advances the public’s positive perception of an SES official.

How to Submit:

Please submit a typed nomination, not to exceed two pages with 12 point font, to:
[email protected] by COB Monday, April 1, 2024.The subject line of the e-mail should read:
• Nomination of [insert name] for Ebenezer Bassett Award

Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award

Named after one of the founding members of AAFEA, the Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award recognizes career staff persons at the GS-13 to GS-15 level who are trailblazers in having significantly advanced the objectives of AAFEA to promote the development and advancement of African-Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.

Criteria

Recipients of the Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award:
- Have a distinguished career of service to our nation.
- Advocate for diversity within the senior ranks of government.
- Actively create paths for others to pursue training and other opportunities leading toward senior level positions (GS-13 through SES positions or equivalent).
- Contribute to the growth and development of others, even as they seek to advance themselves.

How to Submit:

Please submit a typed nomination, not to exceed two pages with 12 point font, to:
[email protected] by COB Monday, April 1, 2024.The subject line of the e-mail should read:
• Nomination of [insert name] for Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award

William A. Brown, Sr. Scholarship Award

Criteria

Each scholarship award recipient will receive an amount not to exceed $2,500.
For additional information/details and to apply using your Google account, please view the scholarship application.

How to Submit:

• View Application

Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the William A. Brown Sr. Scholarship Award!

Dr. Lenora P. Gant Community Partner Award

We are pleased to formally announce that the Community Partner Award has been renamed the Dr. Lenora P. Gant Community Partner Award, in honor of AAFEA co-founder, Dr. Lenora P. Gant. The Dr. Lenora P. Grant Community Partner inaugural Award will be presented during the 20th Annual AAFEA Leadership Development Workshop and annually thereafter to selected senior-level associations, public/private sector organizations/companies, and/or academia that have consistently and significantly partnered with AAFEA to support and/or advance AAFEA’s strategic objective to promote the development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior and executive ranks of the United States Government.

Criteria

Recipients of this award must have demonstrated their accomplishments by impactful and/or tangible engagements, development of significant policy initiatives, or other substantial efforts, which may include:- Achieving Results - Highly effective in helping to prepare African-Americans for senior leadership positions within the United States Government as a direct result of the company/organization’s contributions and efforts;
- Leading People - Cooperative collaboration and teamwork with AAFEA or across the organizational, directorate, agency, government and/or industry level to accomplish results of a substantial nature; and/or
- Influencing Change - Innovative approaches used in the conception, design, or execution of projects, programs, initiatives, and activities (work represents a high degree of creativity or fundamental departure from usual practice) that advance AAFEA’s mission.

How to Submit:

Please submit a typed nomination, not to exceed two pages with 12 point font, to:
[email protected] by COB Monday, April 1, 2024.The subject line of the e-mail should read:
• Nomination of [insert name] for Dr. Lenora P. Gant Community Partner Award

Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award

Goal

To recognize AAFEA members at the GS-15 and SES levels, who have demonstrated exemplary service as a mentor to AAFEA members, and have played a vital role in supporting AAFEA leadership development programs and enhancing the member experience. at the GS-13 through Senior Executive Service, or equivalent.

Criteria

Recipients of the Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award:
- Member of the Senior Executive Service or GS-15
- Continuous AAFEA membership
- Served as a formal mentor to an AAFEA member for 3 years or more
- Demonstrated mentorship externally

How to Submit:

Please submit a typed nomination, not to exceed two pages with 12 point font, to:
[email protected] by COB Monday, April 1, 2024.The subject line of the e-mail should read:
• Nomination of [ insert name] for Samuel C. Jones Mentor Award

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Fellows Program

2026 Fellows Application Period Opens in February 2025

AAFEA 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.AAFEA will accept up to 20 participants in the Fellows program.

• Complete Online Application

Program Goal

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. The Program activities have been designed to afford impactful developmental experiences aligned with the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and underlying competencies.

Program Fee

The Fellows Program fee is $2,000.

Key Dates

AAFEA Welcomes the Fellows Class of 2025

Fellows Graduates Alumni

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Career Development Plan Program

2025 Application Period Opens January 2025

AAFEA Next Generation Career Development Plan (CDP) program for GS 13, GS 14, and Equivalent levels Class

Annually, the AAFEA will identify a select group of GS-13, GS-14, and equivalent level federal employees (hereafter GS-13/14) 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. The program is delivered virtually with Zoom Conferencing.AAFEA will accept up to 25 participants for this cohort.

• Complete Online Application

Program Goal

The overarching goal of the AAFEA Next Generation CDP Program is to prepare GS-13, GS-14, and equivalent employees to successfully navigate their federal career growth. The program activities are designed to provide impactful developmental experiences aligned with the Office of Personnel Management’s Leadership Journey competencies.

Program Fee

The Program fee is $850 for AAFEA members: $1,250 for non-AAFEA members.

Key Dates

The AAFEA Board of Directors is excited about your interest in the Next Generation CDP Program for GS-13, GS-14, and equivalent levels and wishes you great success in every endeavor.Please email any questions about the AAFEA Next Generation CDP Program to [email protected]

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Events Calendar

• Photo Galleries

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Contact Us

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Now Accepting Applications for 2023
April – September 2023

Annual Award Nomination Period Now Open:

February 13, 2023 – March 15, 2023

• Complete Online Application

AAFEA Welcomes the Fellows Class of 2023

Accepting Nominations for 2022 AAFEA Awards and Scholarships

Nomination Period:
January 24, 2022 – February 25, 2022

The Application Period for the AAFEA Fellows Class of 2023 is OPEN!

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 and executive leadership positions in the federal government.AAFEA will receive applications for the 2023 Fellows Program Class March 1-31, 2022. Program begins September 2022 through September 2023, held monthly on the first Saturday.

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Celebrating Public Service Recognition Week. Thank you for your service!

Serving and supporting our members during COVID-19.

AAFEA Scholarship Application period is now officially OPEN. APPLY NOW!

• Awards & Scholarships

• Complete Online Application

The Board will present these awards and scholarships to the selected distinguished individuals at the inaugural AAFEA Scholarship and Awards Gala on May 8, 2020 at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in College Park, MD. We invite you to nominate persons you believe should be considered for these awards and scholarships based on the criteria listed below.

Key Dates:

- Application Period Open: 3/1/2019 – 3/31/2019
- Candidate Screening: 4/1/2019 – 4/22/2019
- Board Approval of Members of the Class of 2020: 5/2/2019
- Notification to Applicants: 5/17/2019
- Signed Acceptance Letter and Payment of $500 Program Fee: 6/28/2019
- Virtual Onboarding Activities: 7/15/2019 – 8/16/2019
- Fellows Orientation/Program Kick-Off (in-person): 9/15/2019, 2 to 6 p.m.The AAFEA Board of Directors is excited about your interest in the Fellows Program and wish great success for you in all of your future endeavors. Please email any questions about the Fellows Program to [email protected].

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