Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) has named LaNiece Jones as its new State President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding founding president Dezie Woods-Jones in a historic leadership transition.

Founded in 1968, BWOPA is the largest Black women’s political advocacy organization in California.

Woods-Jones, who led BWOPA for more than 50 years, built the organization into a statewide network dedicated to advancing Black women in politics, public service, and civic life.

“This work has always been about making space—where we were once excluded—to lead, to serve, and to be heard. Passing this baton to LaNiece is not just a transfer of title, but a continuation of purpose. She is ready, and we are blessed,” said Woods-Jones, reflecting on the transition.

Jones, a strategist with more than two decades of service at BWOPA as Statewide Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer, said she embraces the new role with gratitude and determination. “It is with deep reverence and rooted responsibility that I accept this charge,” she said. “We are going chapter by chapter—grounded in sisterhood, strategy, and a shared future. The legacy is alive—and so are we.”

The leadership change coincides with the launch of BWOPA ONE, a unified framework designed to advance advocacy, leadership, and political power for Black women across California. The initiative centers the voices and leadership of Black women to drive lasting impact through civic education and political engagement. BWOPA described it as “three arms, one mission, infinite possibility.”

Leaders emphasized that the transition ensures continuity while strengthening the organization’s statewide reach.

According to BWOPA, Jones’ appointment marks a new chapter for the organization, underscoring its ongoing role in empowering Black women to lead, serve, and shape policy across California.

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Article By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media