By Luciana Vosniak, UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee Chair
Stepping into the world of international affairs, Alexandria J. Maloney quickly emerged as a dynamic force for change. At just 31, she has already made significant waves. As the President of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) and a visiting lecturer at Cornell University, Alexandria dedicates her life to empowering others and paving the way for underrepresented professionals to reach new heights.
Maloney is a true trailblazer, recognized as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent” and hailed as a “Forbes 50 Champion” for Black and Brown communities. Her journey is defined by a commitment to creating opportunities and empowering underrepresented voices. Her leadership has been instrumental in crafting paths to empower over 60,000 professionals. She focuses on building ecosystems that educate, prepare, and empower, embodying the essence of inclusive advocacy.
One of her groundbreaking initiatives, the Madam Ambassador Exposure Program, was launched in partnership with the Arlington (VA) Chapter of the Links Incorporated and the BPIA Colin Powell Leadership Institute. This program specifically targets mid-career professionals, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to ascend to senior ranks in their fields.
Her background is rich with public service, including significant roles within the U.S. Department of Defense and the White House Initiative for HBCUs. She has also participated in various political campaigns, showcasing her versatile expertise. Alexandria's affiliations with notable organizations like the Truman National Security Project, the European Leadership Network, and the Council on Foreign Relations Young Professional Program highlight her broad influence and commitment.
Alexandria’s connection to her community and her passion for human rights are unwavering. In an insightful interview, Alexandria shared the inspirations that drive her advocacy work. Her grandmothers, Joyce and Juliette, were her earliest role models in human rights, instilling values of compassion and empathy. She recalls, "They taught me the importance of kindness," a lesson that has profoundly shaped her life's mission. She has also acknowledged the mentors in her professional journey, who have encouraged her to “continue to ‘fight for good’” even when the odds are against her.
Alexandria views the human rights work of the United Nations as crucial both personally and professionally. It affects the rights of her loved ones and families worldwide. Inspired by Nelson Mandela's words, she believes that man-made systems of oppression can be dismantled through human action. This conviction fuels her commitment to the UN’s efforts as a critical center of global consciousness.
Young people, with their intolerance for injustice, also inspire Alexandria. Her interactions with world leaders and civil rights champions have shown her the power of localized passion transformed into global impact. She encourages young professionals to "find your tribe" and become experts in their fields, emphasizing the importance of community and expertise in enacting change.
Reflecting on her career, Alexandria feels most proud of being a role model to young girls in her community. Her message to them is clear: they have the power to be changemakers capable of altering the course of history. Their potential and dreams keep her motivated in her mission to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
