A Conversation with ɫƵ LA Board Co-Chair Mattie McFadden-Lawson
In honor of Black History Month, ɫƵ AmeriCorps member Aysia-Marie Perkins sat down virtually with our Board Co-Chair Mattie McFadden-Lawson who has dedicated her life to social justice causes. The two chatted about Black Womanhood, the importance of educational equity and the Black heroes who have shaped our world. Below are the highlights from their conversation…
Aysia-Marie: What about CityYear’s mission resonates with youthe most?
Mattie: What resonates with me the most is thatwe are focusedon education, wherebyevery student has an opportunity to thrive and be the bestthat he orshe can be regardless oftheirzipcode.We know thatourstudentscan dojust that and we focus on making sure that they have the academic support as well as the social adjustment and behavioral support so that they can thrive in whatever settingthey are in.
Aysia-Marie:What doesserving as our Board Co-Chair mean to you?
Mattie:Itis a real honorto serve herebecauseCityYearis anamazing organization that is doingwork in away that other organizationsarenot.Wehave such a tremendousboardand staff to work with who provide tremendous supportforall thatwewant to doat ɫƵ, andit hasbeen a pleasure working with my Co-ChairGiselle Fernandez. We areworking in tandem, with purpose andare being veryintentional about this work.I can also say that it’s importantfor me in this role as BoardCo-Chairto make sure that we are being completely inclusive and that everybody has avoice.We want our AmeriCorps members and studentsto be heard.
Aysia-Marie: Whatdoes Black Womanhood mean to you?
Mattie:To me it’stheexample that welead.So much will always fall on our shoulders because we are truly the nurturers of the universe, it’sjust what we do asBlack women and we have a responsibility to choosetowearthat crownandhonor it in such a way that we truly are impacting the lives of others.
What I’ve passed on to our family,as well asto everyoneI havementored along the way, is thatit’sallaboutgiving back.Myhusband and I always talk about how youhave totake what you learn andshare this with others.When you have been blessed inlife,and my husband and I andourfamily have been abundantlyblessed,the expectation is that you will give back.Every soul is valuable on this planet,I feel that everyone has something to offerand, in thatregard,I just feel that is my responsibility to be there and reach as many people as I can in a very special way.
Aysia-Marie: What historical figure do you connect withthe mostand why?
Mattie:I would have to sayHarrietTubman. Herwhole life just resonateswith me andinspires me in ways that I thought I could never be inspired.When you think of who she was at that time, an enslavedyoung girl living on a plantationwhodecidedtotakeonanincredible journey to freedomto not onlyfree herself butgo back onmultiple journeystosave others,I just cannot think of another story in historythatmeasures upto what she did.
Mattie McFadden-Lawson strives to make a difference in the world. She is the President of The MML Group, specializing in creating strategic partnerships for nonprofits and corporations and providing philanthropic advisoryservices.Shegraduated magna-cum-laude with a M.A. degree from Howard University and holds a M.P.A. degree with honors from Harvard University’s prestigious John Fitzgerald Kennedy School of Government. Her extensive work in the arts, women’s leadership, politics, and political fundraising has established her as a leader in these areas. She currently sits on many boards, including The Music Center—Performing Arts Center for Los Angeles County, Board of Los Angeles County Arts Commission and Ford Theatre (on leave), ɫƵ Los Angeles, and the Grammy Museum. Recently, she was appointed to the Smithsonian Institution/National Museum of African American History and Culture—The Council’s Capital Campaign Steering Committee. She was appointed by former President Obama to serve on the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts—The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—Washington, D.C. Her involvement in women’s leadership, politics, and political fundraising is an example of her leadership in the community and on a national level. She is a Vice Chairof the Women in Public Service Project of the Wilson Center for International Scholars in Washington, D.C.
Aysia-Marie Perkins is a second year AmeriCorps member working with educators to support children in their academic and social development. She believes in liberation through inclusive education. Serving intentionally and with a humble swag, her goal is to empower the next generation and amplify their voices. She believes that when education is culturally relevant, values multiple intelligences, and is inclusive, students can achieve greater heights, becoming better equipped to grow into the world changers they are. Following her second year of service, she will continue in her journey to become an educator and work to support youth in their future endeavors. She has served with children for five years in mentor and teaching assistant roles, serving in family shelters and behavior intervention programs for children with autism. Aysia-Marie also likes reading, swimming, and watching movies, and one of her favorite family traditions is doing the cha-cha to “Outstanding” by The Gap Band. Aysia-Marie holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles.
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