Florida A&M University News December 5, 2014 FAMU Announces Congressional Black Caucus Foundation President as Fall Commencement Speaker More than 700 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) students will graduate during the University’s fall commencement exercise on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Alfred L. Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, located at 1800 Wahnish Way, Tallahassee, FL 32307. A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will provide words of wisdom to the graduates as the keynote speaker. As the president of the CBCF, Washington leads the organization in continuing its mission of serving as the premier research and educational institution dedicated to advancing the global black community, which includes developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. She oversees the CBCF’s public policy, research, educational and fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), an annual policy assembly in Washington, D.C., that draws prominent national figures from across politics, business, entertainment, academia, and other sectors with the goal of cultivating engagement in policy discussions on issues that impact black communities around the world. “We are honored to have Mrs. Washington serve as our commencement speaker,” said President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D. “Her outstanding efforts in advocacy, research, education, civic engagement, and community relations serve as a great model of excellence for our graduates as they move forward into their roles as successful contributors to the 21st century global economy.” Washington has served in leadership roles at the CBCF for more than 15 years, including serving as chair of its Board of Directors and serving on its Corporate Advisory Council. Prior to joining the Foundation, Washington founded Washington Solutions, LLC, a strategic counseling firm focused on coalition building, grassroots advocacy, and political outreach for nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses. She previously served as vice president for government affairs policy and outreach at Altria Corporate Services, where she oversaw offices in Washington, D.C. and New York. She also managed the company’s community relations programs and activities throughout the United States and served as vice president for external affairs. She has held several leadership positions with Philip Morris Management Corp., including serving as director of Washington Relations and providing outreach to legislative caucuses in Congress. In addition to her extensive work in advocacy, outreach, and policy, Washington is passionate about philanthropy and civic engagement. She also serves as a commissioner on the Maryland National Park and Planning Commission and is the immediate past chair of the board for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. She is a member of the Future PAC, Community Foundation in Prince George’s County, and The Links, Inc. Washington has received many honors for her work throughout her career, including being named among the “Top 40 Under 40″ in the Washington Metropolitan Area and the “Top 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business” by The Network Journal Magazine. She is a 2014 “Washington SmartCEO Brava! Award” honoree and is the recipient of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation “Spirit of Democracy Award” and the National Urban League “Donald H. McGannon Award.” Washington holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of South Carolina and a Cognate in Mathematics. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.