LAAAWPPI - Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute

10/26/2026

LAAAWPPI alumnae standing in honor of our beloved leader, Joy Atkinson. Thank you to Black Women’s Democratic Club for the honor.

10/14/2026

Join GLAAACC on October 29, information is on the flyer.

10/06/2026

Get informed

🗳️ BE AN INFORMED VOTER!

Join the Consolidated Board of Realtists of Southern California for a Town Hall Meeting focused on Judge Candidates and Downline Voting.

Hear from Justin Allen Clayton, Judge Candidate for Seat #65, and Rhonda Haymon, Judge Candidate for Seat #64, as voters prepare for the November 3 election.

📅 Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 6–9 PM
📍 3725 Don Felipe Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90008

This is the first of several October Town Hall meetings designed to help the community learn more about candidates and make informed decisions at the ballot box.

🗳️ Get informed. Get engaged. Vote by November 3!

09/30/2026

It was a beautiful night. Thank you to everyone who joined us for LAAAWPPI’s Recruitment Reception. We hope you appreciate the opportunity to network and are considering investing in you.

Applications are now open until November 5th. Visit our website:

The Los Angeles Women's Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI), founded in 2002, is a non-profit organization that provides an intensive 10-week leadership program to prepare women to be more engaged in the government and public policy process.

09/28/2026

We look forward to seeing potential new applicants this evening. Bring your business cards, there’s a lot of time for networking.

We are adding to the sisterhood!
Now recruiting for LAAAWPPIs class of 2027. Professional women interested in exploring the program and networking with our alumnae are invited to the Recruitment Reception. This year we will meet at Dulan’s Crenshaw at 6pm on Monday, September 28. Space is limited, so confirm your spot.

09/26/2026

LAAAWPPI would like to extend our gratitude to a 2026 alumnus and the Office of the LA City Council President Harris Dawson for welcoming us on their latest podcast. Thank you for the honor.

: Listen on iHeart, Listen on Apple Podcasts. Featured links: Listen on iHeart, Listen on Apple Podcasts, Listen on Spotify.

09/10/2026

Dear Alumnae and Family,

As we mark what would have been Joy P. Atkinson’s birthday, we reflect on her extraordinary life and the indelible mark she left on our hearts and our community. Joy was more than a visionary leader and a dedicated mentor; she was the heart of the Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI) and a guiding light for so many of us.

Though we miss her presence dearly, Joy’s spirit continues to animate our work every day. Her life was defined by an unwavering commitment to public service, civic engagement, and empowering Black women. From her sixteen years as Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Gwen Moore to her pioneering efforts with the Empowerment Congress alongside Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Joy helped shape the political landscape of Los Angeles with grace and integrity.

As the Executive Director of LAAAWPPI, Joy did far more than lead a program; she cultivated a movement. She believed profoundly in the power of minority women to lead, mentor, and effect real change. Her influence lives on in the hundreds of graduates who carry her lessons forward, leading with the same courage and intention that she modeled throughout her distinguished career as a public servant and city commissioner.

To honor her memory and ensure her vision continues to thrive, we invite you to support the Joy P. Atkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund is a meaningful way to directly empower the next generation of women to pursue leadership roles in public policy and community service, keeping Joy’s passion for mentorship alive.

If you would like to contribute to this legacy, you may do so through the following methods:

PayPal/Zelle: Please send contributions to [email protected]. We kindly ask that you include “Joy P. Atkinson Memorial & Scholarship Fund” in the notes section.

Check: Please mail your donation to LAAAWPPI, 2851 West 120th Street, Ste. E PMB 324, Hawthorne, CA 90250-3396.

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to Joy’s vision of elevating the purpose of Black women and fostering a spirit of advocacy and civic participation. Thank you for joining us in celebrating her life and ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.

With deep gratitude and lasting admiration,

Traci Bivens-Davis
Interim Executive Director
LAAAWPPI

09/09/2026

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans!

08/31/2026

Ladies, we are both excited and overwhelmed by how many of you want to meet with potential new recruits for 2027. Space is running out!

Stay tuned for another alumnae mix and mingle opportunity. We see you and know you value time amongst your sisters. Another event is loading.

08/29/2026

We are adding to the sisterhood!
Now recruiting for LAAAWPPIs class of 2027. Professional women interested in exploring the program and networking with our alumnae are invited to the Recruitment Reception. This year we will meet at Dulan’s Crenshaw at 6pm on Monday, September 28. Space is limited, so confirm your spot.