Adama L. Iwu

Adama L. Iwu

Policy Director

Background

Results-driven political strategist. Leader in analyzing and assessing complex policy issues. Works with Fortune 500 companies to build coalitions and develop winning strategies.

Adama Iwu brings a unique blend of policy expertise and strategic thinking to clients navigating the complexities of state and federal government. Her leadership experience in the private sector allows her to advise companies on nationwide, business-oriented state government relations solutions.

Most recently Adama served as vice president for political strategy and external partnerships at Visa Inc. where she oversaw the Visa Political Action Committee and worked with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement Visa’s legislative priorities at the federal and state levels. She previously held roles at Visa in government engagement, emerging payments solutions, Visa Government Solutions and Visa Business Solutions.

At Farmers Insurance, Adama served as head of California government affairs and managed the company’s political, legislative and regulatory agenda. She also has experience with Advance America, California Assn. of Physicians Groups and the State of California. She began her career as a fellow in the Schwarzenegger administration working on health care policy.

In 2017, The Los Angeles Times published an open letter—led by Adama and signed by over 140 women—on the pervasive culture of sexual harassment, discrimination and assault in politics. This resulted in the creation of the We Said Enough Foundation, whose mission is to eliminate bullying, harassment and assault in the workplace. Time Magazine recognized Adama as a Silence Breaker and featured her on the cover of its People of the Year edition.

Insights & Publications

Credentials

Education

M.P.A., 2006, California State University-Sacramento

B.A., 2005, University of San Diego