Earlier this fall, our firm proudly participated in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, the “leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community.”
To commemorate this historic milestone, Cornerstone Government Affairs hosted a reception to honor the African American staff members of Capitol Hill. We viewed this event as an opportunity to say, ‘thank you’ for all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that African American congressional staff have made and continue to make in service of our country.
The CBC has been fighting tirelessly for equality for African Americans for 50 years and has provided countless opportunities for African Americans seeking careers in public service. It is only fitting we honor the staff who not only advise members of Congress but help shape the legislation and policy discussions on issues that affect the Black community and our entire country.
The reception was an overwhelming success and drew more than 300 attendees from the government, nonprofit, and private sectors. Cornerstone was well represented by several of its members including Delora Sanchez Ifekauche (Principal), Max de Vreeze (Senior Associate), Shanetta Paskel (Principal), Justin Jordan (Vice President), Elliott Flaggs (Vice President) and Camille Scales Young (Principal and Director). Cornerstone was honored to salute these Hill staff members who help our government leaders serve our country with professionalism, dignity, and honor.
I cannot overstate the impact CBC members have on their staff, more especially individuals who are just starting their careers in DC. Having previously worked for a member of the CBC, I know firsthand the opportunities CBC members afford young African Americans and the deeply ingrained culture of always paying it forward and uplifting our community. As such, this reception is just the first of many events we intend to host for Hill staff, to include programming aimed at enhancing professional development. I can confidently state on behalf of all of my colleagues at Cornerstone that it is an amazing feeling to be part of a firm that empowers you to proactively make an impact, and we intend to do just that.