From its founding in 1968 in Oakland to a dynamic statewide leadership network today, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) has long stood as a cornerstone institution in advancing civic engagement, leadership, and political power for Black women across California.
Founded by 12 visionary Black women, BWOPA was created to strengthen civic voices, develop leadership, and ensure Black communities were not only represented—but influential—in shaping public policy.
Today, that legacy continues and expands through BWOPA ONE.
BWOPA ONE is not a new organization—it is a renewed and elevated vision, grounded in decades of impact and built to meet the urgency of this moment. As a coordinated statewide network, BWOPA ONE advances an integrated model of civic engagement, leadership development, advocacy, and political action.
Under the leadership of LaNiece Jones, President & CEO, BWOPA ONE is strengthening infrastructure, expanding reach, and deepening influence across California.
“BWOPA ONE is not new—it is a renewed vision grounded in legacy and built for this moment.”
Across California—from the Bay Area to the Central Valley, from Sacramento to Los Angeles, from the Inland Empire to San Diego—BWOPA ONE is actively shaping policy, strengthening communities, and preparing the next generation of leaders.
This work is grounded in a clear understanding:
“Where California goes, the nation follows.”
A Statewide Network of Black Women Leaders
At the heart of BWOPA ONE is a powerful network of Black women leaders—educators, attorneys, policy strategists, researchers, elected officials, organizers, and executives—working across sectors to advance equity and opportunity.
With more than 200 years of combined leadership experience, BWOPA ONE brings deep expertise in:
Public policy
Education
Law
Economic development
Health systems
Communications
Political strategy
This leadership spans statewide, regional, and local levels, ensuring that strategy is not only visionary—but effectively implemented across communities.
Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
LaNiece Jones, President & CEO
Dr. Robyn Fisher, Chief Operating Officer
Nzingha Dugas, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
Vashone Huff, Chief Programs & Innovation Officer
Cynthia Burnett, Fund Development Director
Charlette Viney, Membership Financial Director
Brittany Bellamy, State Organizer Lead
Tracey Edwards Jenkins, Pipeline Development
Aisha Scott, Pipeline Development
Dr. Shawna Charles, Strategic Communications
Jamila Land, Social Media Communications
Carmen Nicole Cox, Legislative Director
Lisa Williams, Political Director
Stephanie Roberson, B*PAC Vice Chair
Regional Directors
East Bay – Vashone Huff
Central Valley – Hon. Keshia Thomas
NorCal – Champagne Brown
Los Angeles – Dr. Shawna Charles
Inland Empire – Dr. Antwanisha Berl
San Diego – Denise Norris
Chapter Presidents
Oakland/Berkeley – Danielle Motley-Lewis
Hayward/South County – RocQuel Johnson
Solano/Napa – Latressa Wilson Alford, Esq.
Sacramento – Mellonie Richardson
Fresno – Hon. Cynthia Sterling
Stockton/Tracy – Hon. Leslie Baranco
San Francisco – Brittney Doyle
Inland Empire – Jessica King
Los Angeles – Dr. Shawna Charles
San Diego – Denise Norris
Policy Directors
Education – Dr. Kimberly Mayfield Lynch, TaLynn Mitchell
Economic Empowerment – Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, Cathy Jackson
Health Equity – Dr. Josephine Appiah, Dr. Venise Curry
Criminal Justice Reform – Hon. Tamisha Torres Walker, Danielle Motley-Lewis, MA
From Legacy to Impact
BWOPA ONE’s work is visible across California:
In policies that expand access and interrupt inequity
In campaigns that mobilize communities and build civic power
In leadership pipelines preparing Black women to lead at every level
This impact is intentional, coordinated, and sustained.
“We are not waiting for change—we are building it.”
BWOPA ONE connects policy, people, and practice to deliver measurable results—strengthening organizations, advancing communities, and shaping what comes next.
Rooted in legacy and designed for the future, BWOPA ONE continues to:
Invest in leadership
Expand statewide infrastructure
Build lasting political and civic power
“When Black women lead, communities thrive.”
