Born at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Ward 4 and raised in Brightwood and Riggs Park, Carmichael is a graduate of Phelps High School and the University of the District of Columbia. As the daughter of a Gulf War Army Medic, she learned the value of community service early, volunteering alongside her family through Pentecostal Baptist Church on Colorado Ave NW during the city’s Drug and HIV epidemics. These experiences have driven her lifelong advocacy against common stigmas affiliated with   underserved communities.

“Let’s work together to enhance our city by fostering respect, ensuring comfort, and promoting economic stability for all. For years, I have dedicated myself to my hometown behind the scenes, gaining insights and expertise that have now equipped me to take on a direct leadership role as your next Ward 5 Councilwoman.”

— Bernita Carmichael, Candidate for Ward 5 DC Councilwoman

With over 15 years of experience as an Enterprise Risk Management professional, Carmichael has achieved notable milestones in DC government service, including securing the first accreditation for the DC Department of Corrections under the DC Jail Improvement Act of 2004 and enhancing emergency response capabilities for DC Child Care Centers at OSSE. She also holds credentials as a pro-board fire inspector and a general industry occupational safety and health trainer.

A proven civic leader, Carmichael currently serves as a DC Democratic Party Committeewoman and member of the Ward 5 Leadership Council. She organized the National Federation of Democratic Women’s virtual conference during COVID-19, served as an At-Large Delegate for President Biden in 2020, and mobilized five charter buses from Ward 5 in support of Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. She is also an active member of the Junior League of Washington.

Carmichael’s campaign priorities include increasing affordable and native Washingtonian homeownership opportunities, senior advocacy, support services for residents with vulnerabilities, and strengthening support for Ward 5’s local and global business ecosystem. Her campaign is powered by small-dollar grassroots donors and participates in the DC Fair Elections program, where contributions from DC donors are matched 5-to-1.