Meet Karmyn Downs, EdD | President, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Los Angeles Chapter.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karmyn Downs, EdD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karmyn, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The mission of the Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Los Angeles (NC100BWLA) is to advocate for Black women and girls. We are one of 63 chapters across the country. We focus on issues that affect their overall well-being in specific focus areas, which are Health, Education, and Economic Empowerment. We aim to address social and economic inequities in these critical areas. Through our Public Policy thrust, we aim to increase civic engagement and address policy or legislation and its effect on Black women and girls.

Our chapter was organized in 1986 under the leadership of Yvonne Burke, former L.A. County Supervisor, and Joan Sutter. For over 37 years, NC100BWLA has dramatically benefited the Los Angeles community, directly impacting hundreds of Black women and girls. For example, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NC100BWLA met with representatives and subject matter experts from the U.S. Federal Drug and Food Administration to advocate for preventative treatment paths for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer. Soon, we’re launching our nine-month mentoring program targeting youth, focusing on leadership development and exposure to S.T.E.A.M. Our signature educational mentoring program gives young Black girls exposure to aviation through flight simulation and flight time. Soon, we’ll also launch our inaugural Financial Summit, where we’re planning a day-long event focused on empowering the financial literacy of single moms.

All of this work is only possible with the work of our more than 50 chapter members. I consider ourselves a generationally diverse chapter. We are incredibly blessed to have several members who chartered the chapter. All members work tirelessly. We recently were awarded the organization’s highest award, “Model Chapter,” which signifies achievement in multiple areas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have over 40 years of experience in the private sector, leading and mentoring others. Through the Coalition’s advocacy priorities, I can apply what I’ve learned in the business section and incorporate lessons from professional and personal failures. Th Coalition’s work brings me immense joy. Failures are hard. But seeking lessons from failures and paying the lesson forward helps to overcome them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I’d go for a long bike ride or run. It’s my therapy. Second, my sister and I would pick up my mom, and we’d go to the “alley”, which is in the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles. My mother loves the “alley,” it’s her favorite shopping spot. We’d then go to lunch at El Cholo’s located on Western; they have the absolute best Mexican food. Or, we would go to Au Lac in downtown Los Angeles. They have, by far, the best VEGAN food. If we’re together for an entire weekend, we’ll drive to Temecula Wineries, which is about an hour outside of Los Angeles. They have shopping, great jazz, and the best wineries!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For me personally, it’s Jesus Christ. I am dedicated to helping others, and this body of work is fully in alignment with my faith and values.

Website: 100blackwomenla.org

Instagram: @100blackwomenla

Linkedin: @100blackwomenla

Twitter: @100blackwomenla

Facebook: @100blackwomenla

Youtube: @100blackwomenla

Image Credits
Black Dress: Receiving the Model Chapter Award during the organization’s 21st Biennial Conference in Philadelphia Gold Dress: Addressing the audience at the organization’s Who’s Who award Cycling – early morning ride.