Mattie McFadden-Lawson

By Gayson |

Scholar, philanthropist, and friend of the arts, Mattie McFadden-Lawson graduated magna cum laude with a Master’s degree from Howard University and holds a M.P.A. degree with honors from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Her extensive work in the arts, government, women’s leadership, and political fundraising has established her as a leader in these areas. She currently sits on many boards, including the Music Center, Los Angeles County Arts Commission (on leave), City Year of Los Angeles, The Council Steering Campaign Committee of the National Museum of African American History and Culture/Smithsonian Institution and Grammy Museum Board. In 2010, President Obama appointed her to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts–John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Her involvement in women’s leadership, politics and political fundraising is an example of her leadership on the community, national and international levels. She is a Co-Vice Chair of the 50 X 50 Leadership Circle of the Women in Public Service Project–Wilson Center for International Scholars.

She is married to former Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, & Flom retired partner, Ambassador Michael A. Lawson. She is the proud mother of 2 sons, Michael Jr. (wife-Kristen and daughter, Karina) and Jonathan.

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