Meet Trustee McFadden

Mattie McFadden-Lawson is a distinguished civic leader, philanthropist, and thought leader whose contributions span over three decades. As a patron of the arts and culture and a committed advocate for social justice, Mattie's efforts have made significant impacts both domestically and internationally. Her dedication to women’s leadership, mentorship, and fostering the next generation of leaders is widely acknowledged and celebrated.

EDUCATION

Mattie McFadden-Lawson's academic journey is a testament to her commitment to learning and excellence. She graduated with honors from Brooklyn College in 1974, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She furthered her studies at Howard University, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Sociology with honors in 1976 and was awarded the prestigious Ford Foundation Fellowship. In 1977, she completed her education with a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University's John Fitzgerald Kennedy School of Government, where she was honored with the Littauer Academic Fellowship.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout her extensive career, Mattie has held multiple pivotal roles, including serving as a staff member on the United States Senate Budget Committee, where she played a significant role in shaping fiscal policy. She is the President of The MML Group, focusing on strategic partnerships and philanthropic advisory services, and she is the Founder and President of BHF Enterprises, LLC, concentrating on domestic and global strategic partnerships for economic development and fostering generational wealth within the black community.

BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

Mattie's influence extends across numerous prestigious boards, including:

• Morehouse College Board of Trustees

• Harvard University-John Fitzgerald Kennedy School of Government/Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy

• Grammy Museum Foundation

• Black Economic Alliance

• Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, Ambassador

• International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute “10 Million Names”

• The HistoryMakers

• Aspen Institute (transferred membership from Los Angeles to Atlanta Chapter)

• The Music Center for the Performing Arts of Los Angeles County* Center Dance Arts, The Music Center for the Performing Arts of Los Angeles County* City Year*

• The Music Center for the Performing Arts of Los Angeles County*

• Center Dance Arts, The Music Center for the Performing Arts of Los Angeles County*

• City Year*

PAST BOARD AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

Mattie's past affiliations include:

• Institution National Museum of African American History & Culture/Finance Steering Committee 

• Co-Vice Chair of the 50 X 50 Leadership Circle of the Women in Public Service Project at the Wilson Center for International Scholars

• Presidential Appointment to the Advisory Committee on the Arts at the John Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.

• Leadership roles in Women for Obama Campaign and Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Her accomplishments have been recognized with numerous accolades, including:

• Guest Speaker at PANAFEST in Accra, Ghana (2025)

• Black History Maker Star Prize Award (2025)

• Speaker at the Black History Festival, College Park, GA (2025)

• Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Award for Volunteer of the Year (2019)

• The HistoryMakers Honoree (2019)

• Leadership and Community Service Award by the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (2019)

• Excellence in Leadership Award from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (2016)

• Whitney Young, Jr. Award from the Los Angeles Urban League (2014)

• Philanthropy Award from The Music Center for the Performing Arts of Los Angeles County (2013)

PERSONAL LIFE

Mattie McFadden-Lawson is married to Ambassador Michael A. Lawson (Ret.), a former member of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees. They have two adult sons, Michael Jr., who graduated from Morehouse College in 2005, and Jonathan, a Morehouse College graduate of 2013. Mattie also has a daughter-in-law, Kristen King-Lawson, and is a proud grandmother to Karina and Caleb.

Mattie McFadden-Lawson continues to inspire and influence countless lives through her leadership and dedication to public service.