CBC Staff

2344 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-226-9776
Click here to contact the CBC staff.

Staff:

LaDavia Drane, Executive Director

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, LaDavia Drane learned the importance of hard work and public service. LaDavia earned her B.S. fromMiami University’s Richard T. Farmer Business School and her J.D. from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Following law school, LaDavia practiced law at Ulmer & Berne LLP in Cleveland where her areas of practice were business litigation, employment law, real estate, ERISA, and regulatory compliance.

LaDavia has served as Director of Legislation and Regulatory Affairs for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, where she worked to expand access to basic banking services and advocated for affordable housing and job development for low- and moderate-income communities. She also served as Senior Director of Government Affairs at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), a member organization representing the world’s largest food manufacturers, grocers, and restaurants.  LaDavia advocated for GMA’s members before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies on policy issues related to health and nutrition, product labeling, and hunger policy.

LaDavia’s tenure on Capitol Hill began in 2009 when she joined the office of her hometown Member of Congress, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge. LaDavia first served Congresswoman Fudge and the people of Ohio’s Eleventh Congressional District as Legislative Counsel and was later promoted to Legislative Director.

While on Capitol Hill, LaDavia has been recognized as one of National Journal’s Women in Washington 25 under 35, Cleveland's Kaleidoscope Magazine's 40 Under 40 Club, Loop 21 and IMPACT’s Capitol Hill Edition inaugural 40 under 40, and Miami University’s 18 of the Last 9 Young Alumni Award recipients.

LaDavia is anchored by a loving husband and son, devoted family and strong faith in God. It is with great humility and pride that she serves as the Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus under the leadership of Chair Marcia L. Fudge.

Kwame Canty,  Director of Member Services and Programming 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Kwame Canty understands the value of being a dedicated public servant. In his role, Kwame is responsible for CBC Member Services, management of CBC Taskforces and provides logistical support for all programing. Kwame is also responsible for the CBC’s coalition building efforts with external organizations.

Prior to joining the Congressional Black Caucus, Kwame worked for Congressman Edolphus Towns as a Senior Legislative Assistant, and was the lead staffer on all hearings related to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer, Manufacturing and Trade and he generally managed the full committee’s member services. Kwame also worked in the House of Representatives Office of the Clerk, under the leadership of Lorraine C. Miller, where he assisted House Members with introducing legislation, amendments and statements for the Congressional record.

Kwame is a graduate of Hampton University and is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

 

Safiya Simmons, Communications Director

With more than a decade of communications experience spanning traditional journalism, political media and grassroots engagement, Safiya has a passion for crafting and sharing stories.  She previously served as Press Secretary to Ranking Member Elijah E. Cummings, regularly securing high-level media placements on key national issues for the Congressman and Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  

Prior to returning to the Hill, Safiya was Chief of Staff and Communications Director for the Center for Policing Equity; Partner at Values Partnerships, Inc.; National Media and Communications Strategist for Save The Children's Campaign for Healthy Kids; and Spokeswoman for former DC Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee and DC Public Schools. 

Hailing from Richmond, VA, Safiya earned her BA in Journalism from Lehigh University and a Masters in Writing Studies from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband Enrique - a DC police officer - and their three children, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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    repName John Smith  
    helpWithFedAgencyAddress Haverhill District Office
    1234 S. Courthouse
    Haverhill, CA 35602
     
    district 21st District of California  
    academyUSCitizenDate July 1, 2012  
    academyAgeDate July 1, 2012  
    academyApplicationDueDate October 20, 2012  
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  • Office Locations

    Office Name Location Image Map URL
    Washington DC 2229 Rayburn House Office
    Washington, DC 20515
    Phone: (202) 333-4455
    Fax: (202) 333-5522
    http://goo.gl/maps/rqq9i
    Haverhill Office
    Serving Haverhill County
    1234 East. Courthouse
    Haverhill, CA 35602
    Phone: (202) 333-4455
    Fax: (202) 333-5522
    http://goo.gl/maps/BCEEO
    South Office
    10 Welcome Street
    Tuesdays & Thursdays
    9:00 AM- 11:00 AM
    http://goo.gl/maps/lodfk