Gwainevere Catchings Hess
Bethesda,MD
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in community engagement and policy advocacy at Black Women’s Agenda Inc. Expertise in organizational change and communication, driving initiatives that impacted over 3 million African American women. Fostered collaboration and strategic dialogue on critical national issues. Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
11th President
The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.
01.2009 - Current
- Led the organization with 24 National Collaborating Organizations to collectively heighten awareness of national issues including voting rights, The Census, health disparities and the COVID-19 pandemic, through education and engagement at a grassroot level.
- Under her leadership, BWA has expanded its reach, through the 24 Collaborating organizations, to over 3 million African American women and their families.
- Spearheaded the development of an Action Plan on behalf of The Black Women’s Agenda and its 24 collaborating organizations.
- Titled 'A New, Fairer Deal: The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. Calls for a Course Correction and a ‘Seat at the Table,’ this plan outlines recommendations for the President of the United States’ first 100 days in office.
- Initiated the 'The Spirit of Change Conversations Series', a program designed to reduce polarization and social bias, to increase the willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, and create an increased understanding and appreciation for our differences and similarities.
- Partnered with Living Room Conversations to provide training and support for hosts of the Spirit of Change program.
- BWA partnered with Common Cause, an organization fighting for an accountable government, equal rights / opportunities / representation and empowering voices in the political process to get out the vote and protect the vote.
- Sent an open letter to United States Congress advocating for recognition of women's personhood and their autonomy over reproductive health issues.
- Leadership encompassed the 'Inform & Inspire' workshop series, which introduces young girls to issues related to climate change and raises awareness of individual actions that contribute to global environmental improvement.
- BWA and its National Collaborating Organizations started 'Because We Care,' a national caregiving initiative offering thousands of African-American families resources to support their loved ones and themselves.
- The meeting underscored the importance of unity among the collaborating organizations and highlighted BWA’s commitment to advocacy and representation on national issues.
- Recruited members of sororities, service, civic, and faith-based groups for Four for 4 initiative, raising voter awareness and ensuring at least four individuals vote on Election Day.
Senior Advisor
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Arlington, VA
10.2008 - 10.2025
- Conducted vulnerability assessments to identify potential security gaps in systems.
- Collaborated with teams to evaluate risk management strategies and compliance frameworks, enhancing overall security posture.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to align cybersecurity initiatives, fostering a unified approach to risk mitigation.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance understanding of infrastructure security measures, empowering teams to implement best practices.
- Designed and delivered presentations to senior management on current trends in the industry.
- Managed projects related to improving processes associated with delivering services or products.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders in order to increase awareness of company offerings.
- Conducted workshops to share new information with groups and stakeholders.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Hampton University
Hampton, VASkills
- Talent strategy
- Workforce Planning
- Change management
- Leadership development
- Policy development
- Federal Contract Oversight (COR)
- Communication management
- Crisis management
- Data-driven decisions
- Policy advocacy
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance
- DEI policy
- Facilitation & Negotiation
- Partnership and Stakeholder Management
- Community Engagement
- Executive Coaching
Leadership Highlights
11th President of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA), 01/01/09, present, Led the organization with 24 National Collaborating Organizations to collectively heighten awareness of national issues including voting rights, The Census, health disparities and the COVID-19 pandemic, through education and engagement at a grassroots level., Under her leadership, BWA has expanded its reach, through the 24 Collaborating organizations, to over 3 million African American women and their families., Spearheaded the development of an Action Plan on behalf of The Black Women’s Agenda and its 24 collaborating organizations, titled 'A New, Fairer Deal: The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. Calls for a Course Correction and a ‘Seat at the Table,’ outlining recommendations for the President of the United States’ first 100 days in office., Initiated the 'The Spirit of Change Conversations Series', a program designed to reduce polarization and social bias, to increase the willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, and create an increased understanding and appreciation for our differences and similarities., BWA partnered with Common Cause to get out the vote and protect the vote., BWA sent an open letter to the United States Congress in support of women throughout the United States and the World, regarding the importance of recognizing the 'personhood' of women and their complete dominion over their bodies, including matters of pregnancy and reproductive health., Leadership encompassed the 'Inform & Inspire' workshop series, which introduces young girls to issues related to climate change and raises awareness of individual actions that contribute to global environmental improvement., BWA and its National Collaborating Organizations started 'Because We Care,' a national caregiving initiative offering thousands of African-American families resources to support their loved ones and themselves., Initiated a meeting at the White House with the presidents of BWA's National Collaborating Organizations.
Summary
Creative, motivated, personable business professional with experience in organizational communications, federal program management, non-profit leadership, strategic initiatives and capability building through public private partnerships., Demonstrated history in producing nationally recognized outreach and awareness programs and strategic communications., Ability to apply management best practices, innovative project management skills, and communication techniques to support the strategic goals of the organization., Problem solver with the ability to leverage exceptional interpersonal skills to build partnerships and foster collaboration among stakeholders., Organizational Change & Culture Development, Talent Acquisition Strategy, Workforce Planning, Learning & Leadership Development, Policy and Procedures Development, Community Engagement, Federal Contract Oversight (COR), Executive Coaching, Partnership and Stakeholder Management, Facilitation & Negotiation, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Civil Rights Policy, Exceptional Communication Skills & Management, Crisis & Conflict Management, Data-Informed Decision Making
Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Committee,, I am excited to submit my application for the Creating Healthy Communities initiative at your esteemed nonprofit organization. As President of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA), I have led collaborative efforts with 24 partner organizations to champion social justice, health equity, and community empowerment. Highlights of my leadership include developing a comprehensive Action Plan for the President’s first 100 days, launching the 'Spirit of Change Conversations Series' to foster meaningful dialogue and reduce polarization, and partnering with Common Cause to advance equal representation and protect voting rights. My advocacy extends to supporting women’s autonomy over their reproductive health and organizing the 'Inform & Inspire' workshop series, which educates young girls about climate change and STEM careers. I also spearheaded the 'Because We Care' initiative to support African American caregivers nationwide and convened leaders at the White House for strategic planning on national issues. My experience demonstrates a deep commitment to creating healthy, inclusive communities through collaboration, education, and advocacy. I am eager to bring this passion and expertise to your organization to help further your mission., Sincerely
Timeline
11th President
The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.
01.2009 - Current
Senior Advisor
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
10.2008 - 10.2025
Some College (No Degree) -
Hampton University