Thank you for your interest in the African American Federal Executive Association, Inc. (AAFEA), a non-profit association founded in February 2002 by African American members of the Federal Senior Executive Service. AAFEA promotes the professional development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Federal Government. We sponsor programs and advocate for policies that enhance the opportunities for African Americans to serve our nation in senior-level positions.
AAFEA membership is open to active and retired federal employees in grades GS-13 through SES (or equivalent). Equivalent grades for uniformed service members in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Public Health Service in the rank of Major and higher or equivalent.
Benefits of Membership:
Up to $2,500 in Scholarships
Signature Leadership Development Programs
AAFEA Next Generation Program (five-month leadership development experience)
AAFEA Fellows Program (12-month executive leadership development experience)
ECQ Boot Camp (writing development)
Member-Only Activities
Members-only Website Portal
Members-only Holiday Social (strategic networking)
SES Forum
Coffee Talks
Discounted Events & Incentives
AAFEA Spring Social
Special Themed Events
Annual Awards & Scholarship Gala
Annual 3-Day Leadership Development Workshop
Incentives offered by partner organizations – Senior Executive Association (SEA) and Blacks in Government (BIG)
AAFEA Member Meeting Calendar
The AAFEA Meeting Calendar for the Membership Year includes General Membership Meetings, SES Coffee Talks, Special Events, and Board Meetings. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
- General Membership Meetings are open to all current, financial members. Details regarding location and times will be provided to the membership via email in advance of the meeting. In general, meetings are typically scheduled over the lunchtime period.
- SES Coffee Talks are open to all current, financial members. The SES Coffee Talk series is a small group (20-40 person) discussion forum. Forum leaders provide personal insights into the journey to the SES and the executive responsibilities and challenges faced by established and newly minted members of the Senior Executive Service.
To date, the SES Coffee Talk series has presented members of the SES from the National Security Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The forum leaders represent a variety of disciplines including law, foreign relations, human resources, and engineering.The after work forum is held monthly at The City Club in the Washington metropolitan area. The SES Coffee Talks are available to all current AAFEA members and a reservation is required. Dates and locations are announced via the AAFEA newsletter.
- Special Events include the Spring / Fall / Holiday Socials and the Annual Workshop. Details regarding these events are posted on the AAFEA website and circulated via email and the AAFEA newsletter.
- Board Meetings are open only to AAFEA Board members. The Board meetings are held the 1st Thursday of each month at the City Club, Washington, D.C., except in July and August.
Questions about membership? Need more information? Contact AAFEA
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of membership in AAFEA?
Benefits include access to current and retired members of the SES and other high ranking federal officials; participation in the AAFEA mentoring program; and access to the AAFEA Scholarship Program. In addition, AAFEA distributes information to our members regarding high-level GS and SES vacancies as they occur and we are asked by federal agencies to distribute the information.
- Does AAFEA collect resumes or recruit for the federal government?
AAFEA is a private professional organization. We do not recruit for the US government or maintain resumes. Our mission is to ensure the government develops policies and programs that enhance the opportunities for African Americans in the Senior Executive Service. Please note that as a benefit to our members, AAFEA does distribute information regarding federal vacancies as they occur and we are asked by federal agencies to distribute the information.
- What is a financial member?
Financial members are those persons whose dues are current and paid in full. If you are in doubt regarding your status, please contact us.
- I am a current financial member of AAFEA, but I am not receiving member updates or communications. What should I do?
Please contact AAFEA to ensure that your membership is current and that we have the correct contact information on file. AAFEA suggests that a personal (non-governmental) email address be used for all membership communications.