The National Council of Negro Women will launch its 90th Anniversary PowerUp Tour in Seattle, marking the first stop of a 15-city national initiative aimed at strengthening local engagement and advancing the organization’s mission.
The tour will feature NCNW President and CEO Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley connecting with local sections, affiliates and community members. Seattle was selected as the kickoff city.
“We are excited to kick off the tour in Seattle. The NCNW Seattle Section and our affiliates have organized a wonderful opportunity for us to engage with their community and explore how best to support their needs. We are in a crucial time right now, and it is essential that we remain committed to unity and self-reliance,” said Rev. Arline-Bradley.
The NCNW Seattle Section will host a PowerUp Town Hall on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Ave., at the corner of 19th Avenue and East Madison Street. Organizers describe the event as a community listening session designed to introduce the NCNW PowerUp initiative and outline resources available through both the national headquarters and the Seattle Section.
The PowerUp initiative aims to prepare Seattle residents for the upcoming midterm elections. Attendees will receive information about civic engagement, community advocacy and ways NCNW can serve as a resource. Min. Nate Miles, local NCNW affiliate organizations and other community leaders are encouraging residents to attend.
Meko Lawson, president of the NCNW Seattle Section, emphasized the importance of community participation.
“Community members are encouraged to join the town hall. We invite you to share your concerns and propose solutions to the issues affecting our neighborhoods,” said Lawson.
Sarah J.E. Dean, president of the NCNW Rocky Mountain Regional Coalition, also expressed enthusiasm about the visit and the opportunity to hear directly from the national president and CEO.
Rev. Arline-Bradley is the youngest and first president and CEO of NCNW. Rev. Arline-Bradley brings 21 years of experience in health care, diversity, equity and inclusion, government affairs and executive leadership. Rev. Arline-Bradley previously served as senior adviser and director of external engagement during the Obama administration at the Department of Health and Human Services for the 19th U.S. surgeon general. Rev. Arline-Bradley also served as executive vice president of strategic planning and partnerships at the NAACP and as chief of staff.
In 2024, Rev. Arline-Bradley was the youngest keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service. In January 2026, Rev. Arline-Bradley served as keynote speaker at the MLK Celebration at the Washington National Cathedral.
Rev. Arline-Bradley serves in leadership roles in several organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the National Social Action Commission and the Oprah Winfrey Network initiative OWN Your Health. Rev. Arline-Bradley is also an active member of The Links Inc. and Jack and Jill of America Inc.
Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW is an organization of organizations made up of nearly 500 campus and community-based sections and 38 national women’s organizations. NCNW promotes education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and economic stability while advocating for sound public policy and social justice. The organization also engages women in health education and promotes access to health care.
The NCNW Seattle Section operates programs focused on assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, protecting older adults, fostering health equity, amplifying community voices and expanding membership.
The organization’s history in Seattle dates back to 1967, when Dr. Dorothy Height visited the city during the founding of the Seattle Section. Dr. Virgie Harris Haley served as charter president, and Josephine Stokes was a signed charter member. Dr. Thelma Daley, a past NCNW chair and president, visited Seattle in 2010 during the presidency of Mary Hopkins.
