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2344 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

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Staff:

LaDavia Drane, Executive Director
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, LaDavia Drane learned the importance of hard work and public service. LaDavia earned her B.S. from Miami University’s Richard T. Farmer Business School and her J.D. from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Following law school, LaDavia practiced law at Ulmer & Berne LLP in Cleveland where her areas of practice were business litigation, employment law, real estate, ERISA, and regulatory compliance.

LaDavia has served as Director of Legislation and Regulatory Affairs for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, where she worked to expand access to basic banking services and advocated for affordable housing and job development for low- and moderate-income communities. She also served as Senior Director of Government Affairs at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), a member organization representing the world’s largest food manufacturers, grocers, and restaurants.  LaDavia advocated for GMA’s members before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies on policy issues related to health and nutrition, product labeling, and hunger policy.

LaDavia’s tenure on Capitol Hill began in 2009 when she joined the office of her hometown Member of Congress, Rep. Marcia L. Fudge. LaDavia first served Congresswoman Fudge and the people of Ohio’s Eleventh Congressional District as Legislative Counsel and was later promoted to Legislative Director.  While on Capitol Hill, LaDavia has been recognized as one of Cleveland’s 40 under 40 and she was recently selected as one of Loop 21 and IMPACT’s first ever 40 or 40: Capitol Hill Edition.

LaDavia is anchored by a loving husband, devoted family and strong faith in God.  It is with great humility and pride that she serves as the Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus under the leadership of Chair Marcia L. Fudge.

Hassan Christian, Policy Director
Hassan Christian is proud to serve and advocate for the legislative agenda for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).  As the new policy director, Hassan will focus on developing and driving a CBC agenda that creates economic opportunities for the underserved and eliminates policies that foster inequality.

Hassan was recently named as one of the “40 Under 40 on Capitol Hill” by Loop 21/IMPACT.  Prior to joining the Congressional Black Caucus, this Capitol Hill veteran served as the Special Advisor for Congressman Hansen Clarke and as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Kendrick Meek and Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. Hassan is a graduate of Morehouse College.

Ayofemi Kirby, Communications Director
Ayofemi “Femi” Kirby, is proud to serve as Communications Director for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). In her role,  Ayofemi will support CBC Members and the CBC’s policy agenda through strategic media relations and communications tactics. Formerly the Communications Director for Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ayofemi brings years of communications experience to the CBC across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Prior to working on the Hill, Ayofemi empowered young adults across the country to become leaders in their communities and more active participants in our democracy. For her efforts, she was awarded the American Express NGEN Fellowship, the New Leaders Council’s “40 under 40” Media award, and was honored as a “Community Hero” and as “One of Seven Shaping Our Region” by The Charlotte Observer. In January 2013, Ayofemi was named a New Leader’s Council Institute Fellow.

Ayofemi is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, earned her certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, and graduated with her Masters of Arts in Public Communication from American University.

Latrice Powell, Director of Operations and Member Services 
Latrice Powell is responsible for leading the day to day operations for the Congressional Black Caucus office. Prior to joining the Congressional Black Caucus, Latrice worked for Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, MS-02, and the non-profit organizations, House of Ruth and Community Connections. Latrice is a graduate of the University of Maryland and received a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University.