The Drake Institute of Women’s Policy, Benefit LLC was founded in March 2019 by Destiny Drake West, originally established under the name Drake Institute of Research and Policy. From its inception, the Institute was designed as a space for bold ideas and practical solutions at the intersection of policy, research, and civic engagement.

In its founding year, the Institute welcomed its first cohort of research interns, setting the foundation for a hands-on learning model that connected emerging scholars with real-world policy challenges. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the Institute pivoted to a virtual model, expanding access to research and internship opportunities across the country.

Since its establishment, the Institute has collaborated with congressional offices, as well as state and local lawmakers, to provide research, policy analysis, and strategic insights on issues affecting women and families. These partnerships have allowed the Institute to not only support legislative efforts but also to train and empower the next generation of policy leaders.

In 2025, the Institute is entering a new chapter with the launch of its flagship initiative, MOVE Artists. This program is designed to mobilize artists, students, and creatives as powerful voices for civic engagement. Through training intensives, showcases, public service campaigns, and partnerships with colleges, cultural institutions, and community organizations, MOVE Artists harnesses the power of art to inspire participation, strengthen democracy, and expand opportunities for young people to lead.

Today, the Drake Institute of Women’s Policy continues to grow as a nonpartisan think-and-do tank, advancing a mission rooted in equity, civic engagement, and the belief that women’s leadership is essential to building stronger communities and a stronger nation. With MOVE Artists as its signature initiative, the Institute is positioning itself at the forefront of innovative, culture-driven approaches to democracy and social impact.