Empowering Women
Elevating Leaders
Transforming Communities
Building a Greater Humanity
Who We Are
AWLO is a global movement uniting African and African-American women who are shaping communities, industries, and nations. The DMV Chapter brings this mission to the heart of American power — Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia — where policy is made, institutions are led, and legacy is written.
We do not wait for seats at the table. We build the table, host the dinner, and set the terms of leadership for the next generation.
August 15, 2026 • Washington, DC
PAALA 2026 is AWLO's flagship recognition initiative honoring exceptional leaders of African descent whose contributions have shaped communities, industries, and institutions across the United States and the African continent. This is the first DMV-hosted edition — the formal inauguration of the AWLO DMV Chapter before the region and the world.
Lifetime Achievement Honorees of African descent recognized for their contributions to the United States and the African continent.
PAALA 2026 HonoreesPAALA 2026
These extraordinary leaders of African descent are being recognized for their lifetime contributions to communities, industries, and institutions across the United States and the African continent.
PAALA 2026 • Washington DC
Click a card to read their full bio
August 14–16, 2026 • Washington, D.C.
More than an awards celebration, PAALA is a premier international leadership experience that convenes visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, policymakers, philanthropists, educators, diplomats, innovators, and community changemakers committed to advancing leadership that transforms lives and communities.
Whether you are joining us to be recognized, to build relationships, to discover new opportunities, or simply to become part of a movement greater than yourself — PAALA 2026 promises an unforgettable experience where purpose meets influence and influence creates lasting change.
Saturday
August 15, 2026
Saturday Morning • August 15, 2026
An exclusive leadership breakfast & executive portrait experience for VIP Delegates and Champion Sponsors.
EXECUTIVE SATURDAY MORNING →6:00 PM
Red Carpet Arrival
The Signature PAALA Experience
Arrive in style as Honorees, Distinguished Delegates, Diplomats, Public Officials, Corporate Executives, Media Representatives, Community Leaders, and International Guests walk the PAALA Red Carpet. Celebrate achievement. Capture unforgettable moments. Honor excellence.
7:00 PM
until 10:00 PM
Main Event
The highlight of the PAALA Leadership Experience. Join us for an elegant evening recognizing 25 exceptional leaders whose vision, innovation, service, and unwavering commitment continue to strengthen communities across the African Diaspora and beyond.
Featured Artistic Presentation
An Evening of Poetry, Reflection & Inspiration
Featuring Joy-Jayne Bassey — Poet • Literary Artist • Storyteller • Founder of Jo'Zend Xperience
Sunday
August 16, 2026
All Day
Departures
✈️
Farewell & Continuing the Journey
Although the weekend concludes, the relationships formed, the partnerships established, and the vision embraced will continue to create impact throughout our communities and across generations.
Thank you for making history with us. Safe travels — and until we meet again, continue leading with courage, serving with purpose, and building a legacy that inspires others.
Secure Your Place
August 15, 2026 • Melrose Georgetown Hotel, Washington DC
Choose Your Ticket
Give A Seat
Someone believed in you once. Now it’s your turn. Give an emerging leader a seat at the AWLO DMV Inaugural Chapter Launch & PAALA Awards Gala.
Sponsor An Emerging Leader
$99
Give one emerging leader a seat at the gala
Legacy 10 Initiative
$1,000
Sponsor a table of 10 emerging leaders
Partner With Purpose
This is not simply an event sponsorship — it is a capital investment in building the AWLO DMV Chapter into a self-sustaining, impact-generating institution at the center of Pan-African women's leadership in the United States.
Global Visibility
Unmatched visibility before, during, and after the event
Global Network
Access to a global network of leaders and changemakers
Brand Champion
Position your brand as a champion for women, leadership, and impact
Lasting Legacy
Be part of a movement creating lasting legacy and transformation
Tier 1
$1,000 – $10,000
Supporting meaningful change.
Tier 2
$15,000 – $25,000
Strengthening leaders and communities.
Tier 3
$30,000 – $50,000
Shaping the future through transformational leadership.
Together, We Empower. We Elevate. We Transform.
Be part of a legacy that goes beyond today and shapes a better tomorrow.
Become a Leadership PartnerWhere Excellence Gathers
2430 Pennsylvania Avenue NW • Washington, DC 20037
August 14–16, 2026 • Gala: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
An Iconic Washington Setting
Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, The Melrose Hotel is one of Washington D.C.'s most distinguished luxury properties — a landmark of elegance, sophistication, and timeless style steps from the corridors of power and influence that define the nation's capital.
It is the perfect setting for an evening that honors leadership, celebrates legacy, and gathers visionaries from across the African Diaspora and beyond under one extraordinary roof.
📍
Location
2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20037
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Gala Hours
Red Carpet 6:00 PM
Dinner & Awards 7:00 PM
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Dress Code
Black Tie
African Elegance Welcomed
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Event Dates
August 14–16, 2026
Three Days of Leadership
Click above to reserve your room at the special PAALA 2026 rate of $150 per night, available through August 6, 2026.
Get In Touch
Whether you are interested in attending PAALA 2026, becoming a member, sponsoring the event, or partnering with the AWLO DMV Chapter, we would love to hear from you.
"The risk takers of today are the history makers of tomorrow."
