By Edward Henderson | California Black Media
Oakland native LaNiece Jones has served as Executive Director for Black Women Organized for Political Action/Training Institute for Leadership Development (BWOPA/TILE) since 1995. Like her organization, Jones is committed to supporting Black women to become authentic leaders and coalition builders who empower their communities and prepare others for economic success.
With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from California State University, East Bay, and a master’s degree in social entrepreneurship and change from Pepperdine University, Jones also runs her own Oakland-based marketing and public relations firm, L.A. Jones & Associates.
Jones spoke with California Black Media about her successes and setbacks in 2025 and her hopes for 2026.
Looking back at 2025, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
Our most significant achievement this year has been leading a historic leadership transition at BWOPA—honoring the visionary legacy of our Founding President, Dezie Woods-Jones, while boldly charting a path forward. This wasn’t just a change in leadership—it was a transformation of purpose and momentum. We’ve launched a statewide strategy to expand our impact, activate new chapters, deepen policy influence, and invest intentionally in the next generation of Black women leaders. This foundation now grounds and propels everything we do.
How did your leadership, efforts and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians in 2025?
This year, BWOPA expanded our civic engagement efforts—training over 500 women in advocacy, increasing Black voter education across multiple counties, and holding elected leaders accountable through our chapter network. We also launched the Black Women’s Power-Up Advocacy Masterclass Series, which now includes focus areas such as economic empowerment, maternal health, mental wellness, educational equity, and legislative strategy. In addition, we continue to grow the DWJ Public Policy Fellowship Program, which proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
These initiatives are bridging the gap between policy and the lived experiences of Black families across California.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
The ongoing political gaslighting of Black communities—especially Black women—has been deeply frustrating. We continue to show up first, lead boldly, and deliver results, yet are often the last to receive equitable funding, appointments, or recognition.
Watching institutions pledge equity while resisting true power-sharing underscores the disconnect. But rather than discourage us, it fuels our resolve to organize smarter, advocate louder, and demand more.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
The unstoppable power of Black women at the grassroots level continues to inspire me. From mothers advocating for educational equity at school board meetings to young leaders pushing for housing and climate justice — their clarity, courage, and unwavering commitment to community are the heart of our movement. Their often-unseen leadership is what sustains, and grows, our collective power.
What is one lesson you learned in 2025 that will inform your decision-making next year?
“Capacity before campaign.” You can’t sustain bold ideas without building internal infrastructure. This year taught us that investing in systems, staff, and strategy is essential—not optional—for long-term success. Going forward, every decision will be weighed through the lens of sustainability and scale.
In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians faced in 2025?
Displacement.
Whether it’s housing, jobs, education, or political representation—Black Californians are being pushed out, priced out, and too often left out. Reversing this trend requires unapologetic advocacy, bold policy shifts, and the political will to center those most impacted. That’s why BWOPA is committed to preparing more Black women to lead the charge. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for—and we are up for the job.
What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2026?
To secure a full slate of Black women candidates in key state and local elections—and win. That includes building out a robust BWOPA political leadership institute, developing a campaign war chest, and forging statewide coalitions to shift power from protest to policy. 2026 is our year to take the ballot and the budget.
