PRESS RELEASE 2019 TRAILBLAZER’S AWARDS FEBRUARY 26, 2019
On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, the Congressional Black Associates (CBA) hosted its Annual Trailblazer’s Awards, where Members of Congress and congressional staff are recognized for their distinguished achievements and respected influence. In honor of the recent history made in the 116th Congress with the most black women elected to Congress and appointed to leadership roles in the House of Representatives, CBA dedicated the Trailblazer's Awards to salute the black women on the Hill in leadership who have not only attained professional success in their own right, but in doing so, have set a trail for others to follow.
"We appreciate those who attended CBA's Annual Trailblazer’s Awards and it was our honor to recognize Members of Congress and congressional staff who have ignited a flame of inspiration, empowerment, and new opportunities for black staffers on Capitol Hill. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the accomplishments of black staffers on Capitol Hill," said Audra Jackson, President of the Congressional Black Associates.
In addition to words of wisdom from the honorees, the audience heard powerful remarks from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts,“You all are chosen family, this is a very rare walk and journey that you are on and lets just make sure that we continue to build communities and strong precedent that will last."
The Congressional Black Associates (CBA), is a non-partisan Congressional Staff Organization of the United States House of Representatives. The purpose of CBA is to enhance the political, social and economic capabilities of Black Capitol Hill staffers through professional development, community service, and social networking opportunities.
2019 CBA Trailblazer Honorees
Rep. Karen Bass – CBC Chair
Rep. Yvette Clarke- CBA Sponsor
Black Women’s Congressional Alliance
Stephanie Cherry- Director of Media Affairs, Speaker Pelosi
Ashley Etienne-Senior Advisor and Communications Director, Speaker Pelosi
Shuwanza Goff- Director of Floor Operations, Leader Hoyer
Hope Goins- Staff Director, Committee on Homeland Security
Taylor Griffin- Press Secretary, Speaker Pelosi
Kemba Hendrix- Director of Diversity, Committee on House Administration
Tasia Jackson- Chief of Staff, Democratic Caucus Chairman Jeffries
Cheryl Johnson- Clerk of the House
Charla Ouertatani – Staff Director, Committee on Financial Services
Ashli Palmer- Director of Floor Operations, Whip Clyburn
Wyndee Parker- National Security Advisor, Speaker Pelosi
Véronique Pluviose – Staff Director, Committee on Education and Workforce
Latrice Powell- Deputy Floor Director, Speaker Pelosi
Wintta Woldemariam- Policy Director, Whip Clyburn
Shalanda Young- Staff Director, Committee on Appropriations
