Johanna Leblanc, LLM Class of '18, has been named to the Washington, D.C., Mayor's Commission on African Affairs. She was appointed to the post by Mayor Muriel Bowser on September 15 to a term that ends on October 27, 2019.
The Commission was created in 2006 to advocate for, review and report on the needs of, African people who live in Washington, D.C. Ms. Leblanc will serve as an advocate for African persons in the District; review and submit to the Mayor, the Council, and the Office, and make available to the public, an annual report that includes an analysis of the needs of the African community in the District. She will also review and comment on proposed District and federal legislation, regulations, policies, and programs and make policy recommendations on issues affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the African community.
"Considering that I have worked and lived throughout the Continent of Africa, it is an absolute honor to serve Africans who reside in D.C. I believe that my understanding of various cultures and religion will be critical when serving," she said. "I look forward to working with other Commissioners, policy makers, and members of the community to find resolutions to combat some the challenges impacting African persons."
The Commission, which is part of the Mayor's Office on African Affairs, also watches out for cases of abuse, neglect, and bias against African people in the District and reports those instances to the Mayor's Office.
"My ultimate purpose is to utilize my education and work experience to influence policies that will have a direct political, social, and economical impact on the Middle East and Western Africa," Ms. Leblanc said.
Ms. Leblanc is scheduled to be sworn in by Mayor Browser on Saturday, December 16. She is currently pursuing her LLM in National Security and U.S. Foreign Affairs Law. Ms. Leblanc's focus areas are in counterterrorism, intelligence, and immigration.
Ms. Leblanc is originally from the Republic of Haiti. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science, master's degree in public administration, and a JD.