Featured Speaker

Alexandria J. Maloney

President,
Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA)

A dynamic force in international affairs, Alexandria J. Maloney is redefining leadership, access, and influence for foreign affairs professionals worldwide. As President of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA), Director at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, a visiting lecturer at Cornell University Brooks Policy School, and a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center, she is leading the charge in shaping global conversations on diplomacy, security, and inclusive leadership.

As an avid “do-er”, Alexandria believes that the collective agency of humanity should be used to contribute to building the world that we desire. A trained systems thinker, her approach to cultural and organizational change has included inspiration from the arts, sciences, literature, and philosophy. By the age of 32, Alexandria had already been recognized among the “Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent” and named a “Forbes 50 Champion” for Black and Brown communities, marking her as a transformative leader building high-impact ecosystems that educate, empower, and elevate professionals in foreign affairs.

Starting as an intern over a decade ago, Alexandria has transformed BPIA into a powerhouse of influence, innovation, and excellence. Since becoming President in 2021, she has expanded the organization’s reach, securing high-profile donors, global partnerships, and achieving an annual fundraising milestone of over $50,000. Under her leadership, BPIA has launched cutting-edge initiatives, including:

Colin Powell Leadership Institute – Shaping the next generation of Black foreign affairs professionals.
Madam Ambassador Program – Preparing women for diplomatic leadership.
Advisory Councils & High-Level Briefings – Elevating Black voices in global policy.
Opportunity Board & Resume Bank – Connecting talent with international career pathways.
First Fridays, Taskforces & Tribes – Cultivating a community of changemakers.

Her career spans service at the U.S. Department of Defense, the White House Initiative for HBCUs, and membership in prestigious networks such as the Truman National Security Project, Foreign Policy for America, European Leadership Network, CFR Young Professional Briefing Series, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Alexandria earned her B.A. in International Affairs from John Cabot University (Rome, Italy), M.A. from Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD), and MPA from Cornell University (Ithaca, NY). She is a prolific speaker, being featured at international conferences including the G20 civil society summit, the Council on Foreign Relations, and Harvard University on inclusive governance and leadership practices. She sits on numerous boards including the United Nations Association-National Captial Area, John Cabot University Board of Trustees, Cornell Brooks School Alumni Advisory Council, and the 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial National American Bell Committee. She is a member of the Washington Spinoza Philosophy Society.

Alexandria’s vision of building a future rooted in inclusivity and harmony is deeply rooted in the values of Lewis Latimer—innovation, access, and trailblazing excellence. She is committed to democratizing international affairs, ensuring that future leaders are prepared, inspired, and positioned to lead at the highest levels of diplomacy, national security, and global policy. Through her work, Alexandria continues to illuminate pathways for the next generation, ensuring that rising professionals not only enter the room but lead the conversation on the world stage. Her ultimate goal is to scale her current work to the highest levels of impact in pursuit of a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Her expertise and interests spans defense, diplomacy, conflict resolution, arts & culture, youth and women’s engagement, and diversity & inclusion. For more, visit www.alexandriamaloney.com.

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