Policy Institute of California (“RPIC”) is a research-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen California’s African American community by teaching future leaders to utilize the economic, social and educational resources that are key to the vitality of the community as a whole.

Since its inception in 2003, RPIC has committed to bridging gaps between the African American community and those resources essential to the economic, social and educational well being of that community by providing innovative learning opportunities, by increasing community awareness of and access to needed resources and by producing research relevant to the public policy issues relating to the African American community in California.

Our Goals

• Provide training through workshops, seminars, conferences, mentoring, networking, and fellowship programs.

• Assist our young people in the development of their leadership skills.

• Provide research and analysis and scholarly studies on public policy issues that affect the African American community.

President's Statement

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Research and Policy Institute of California (“RPIC”), I thank you for taking the time to learn more about our Institute.
The co-founders of RPIC joined together to increase the African American community’s ability to access the resources essential to economic, social and educational progress. To do this, we recognized that we must first work to increase effective communication between the African American community and public policy makers in California.

A critical relationship exists between policy makers and those affected by the policies being made. This bond, like any relationship, is dependant upon effective communication between the parties involved. Effective communication requires cooperative interaction between both sides working together to solve problems.

It is our desire at RPIC to foster this interaction through comprehensive research, leadership training and provocative forums and symposiums. With your help, we can strengthen the union between the African American community and policy makers as well as reinforce a foundation of success for the African American community in California.

Tommy Ross, President/Chair

Board of Directors

Tommy Ross, President
President/CEO of Pinnacle Strategic Group, Inc.
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Michael A. Gunning, Secretary/Treasurer
Vice President of the Personal Insurance Federation of California
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Winston Doby, Director
Vice President of Student Affairs at University of California, retired
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Each director can be reached at (916) 256-4291.

RPIC Staff

Casanya Ursery, Executive Director
Juris Doctorate with a background in community action, student activities and creative productions

CCC Consultants

Dr. Jacqueline Mimms, CSU Bakersfield

Dr. Rehema Grey, UCLA/CSU Northridge