Waikinya Clanton

Canton, Mississippi native, Ms. Waikinya Clanton has elevated to become one of Washington’s youngest women to watch. With several years of Capitol Hill experience, Clanton has been tasked to serve as the Executive Director of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL-Women).

During her time in the Metropolitan area, Clanton has successfully and methodically navigated Washington power circles, establishing immediate rapport among some of the areas heaviest hitters.

 

Over the years, Clanton has been named as an emerging leader by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, profiled in the National Journal, co-authored articles for Politico365.com and named as a Capital Cause Featured Young Philanthropist. She brings to the NOBEL-Women establishment a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

 

Prior to joining the NOBEL-Women organization, Clanton previously worked for the United States House of Representatives in the office of Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (MS-2).  Prior to leaving the Hill, Clanton used her charming personality, winning smile and overall political savviness to rise to the ranks in one of Capitol Hill’s oldest staff led organizations, the Congressional Black Associates, having served on its Executive Board for three years and as its President for two consecutive terms. Clanton is also a member of the African American Women on the Hill Network (AAWHN), a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and served as coordinator of the Deltas on the Hill (DOTH) network.

This whipping young politico is not only a Capitol Hill veteran but is a rising voice in the conversation surrounding the elevation of women and girls in leadership.

 

As CBA President, she set an agenda that focused on the lack of diversity on Capitol Hill and the need for more professional development opportunities among Black staffers, specifically young black women.  

 

As Executive Director of NOBEL-Women, Clanton is committed to ensuring that the organization continues its focus on increasing and promoting the presence of Black women in government as well as corporate and non-profit leadership; protecting the public interest of women and families; and supporting policy initiatives that contribute to the enhancement and sustainability of the Black community.

 

Waikinya is a lifelong member of the Mt. Able Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, MS but attends and is a member of the Alfred Street Baptist Church while in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.