Michelle C. Washington, MPA’s Post

The United States established diplomatic relations with Switzerland in 1853. Today, that bond is stronger than ever and continues to be considered an iron clad bilateral relationship with shared values of trust, respect, and integrity. His Excellency, Jacques Pitteloud, Ambassador of Switzerland and Brian Andrew Nichols, Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, reinforced these ideas in their remarks at the Black Professionals in International Affairs - BPIA Anniversary event, “United for Change in International Affairs” held this past weekend. The shared values of America and Switzerland are particularly important as the world grows more complex the challenges remain ever present. The Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor, Jon Finer spoke about government leadership and how interagency collaboration is fundamentally key to moving forward. The world is stronger when we work together and push shared goals forward. Stacey Dixon, Principal Deputy Director of the National Intelligence gave her take on the need to ensure that both the intelligence and diplomatic community reflect that of America, a theme that speaks to the heart of the work of Black Professionals in International Affairs - BPIA. It was exciting to have been part of the momentous celebration and looking forward to more collaborations!

Last year when Black Professionals in International Affairs - BPIA President Alexandria J. Maloney, MPA asked me to lead the 2024 Madam Ambassador program as the chair, I was honored. The Madam Ambassador Girls Exposure program is uniquely designed to introduce girls 13-21 to the world of foreign affairs. It took a great deal of coordination and planning to facilitate a program that would elevate their understanding of global affairs. Highlights from this years program included: 1. Virtual opening ceremony and etiquette seminar with retired Ambassador Eunice Reddick who gave the girls words of encouragement and bolstered their self esteem. 2. A field trip to Howard University to meet the Model UN Debate team and hear from a special guest, Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis. She imparted words of wisdom and advice on representation and how to be authentic on the global stage. 3. The delegates later participated in a Public Diplomacy 101 seminar to learn how to inform and influence global audiences for strategic outcomes with esteemed diplomat and communications executive Deneyse A. Kirkpatrick. 4. The delegates showcased their new skills in the 2024 Model United Nations Conference and attended private briefings with State Department leadership. 5. The final highlight was a field trip to the United Nations Foundation to learn about the North Atlantic Trade Organization NATO. The delegates met with NATO experts from the White House, U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Defense as well as have a virtual call with the former Deputy General of NATO Rose Gottemoeller, the first woman to hold the position. In the closing ceremony last weekend the delegates, joined with their families and the diplomatic community, received awards and further encouragement from Her Excellency Angong Acuil, Ambassador to South Sudan, Marcia Bernicat, Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Global Talent, Ambassador (ret.) Pamela L. Spratlen, and Morgan Mickle, Associate of Gender and Youth Practice. The success of the program is attributed to our many volunteers, the BPIA Board of Directors, and the Professional Development Committtee. Special thanks to our partners: The Links, Incorporated Arlington Chapter U.S. Department of State United States Department of Defense National Security Council, The White House United Nations Association of the National Capital Area Howard University Stanford University DACOR and DACOR Bacon House Foundation Embassy of St. Kitts & Nevis Embassy of South Sudan Fairfax County Government ASSOCIATION OF BLACK AMERICAN AMBASSADORS I’m looking forward to the continued growth of this impactful program.

The secret sauce for Truman National Security Project are the people. This weekend, Truman scholars shared their perspectives on a range of issues at #TruCon2024 from immigration to defense and AI to aerospace. I am so humbled to be in community with such a dynamic group of transformational leaders. Thank you Truman National Security Project for welcoming me into this amazing community. Special thanks to Truman Interim CEO Tripp Adams Dr. Nola Haynes she/her K. Fray, PMP Danielle J. Nicholson Jeffrey W. Cory Bullock for the fellowship this weekend! Looking forward to making an impact!

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves,” - Steven Spielberg I’m traveling at the moment and have been reflecting in my down time on these last several months. I have been pouring into several young people because I believe they are the future. It’s been deeply personal for me because I’m an example of the power of what pouring into someone can do. There are three young leaders I have been pouring into and I just want to take a moment to highlight them. Yovela Debesay Well done on completing the mentorship with Black Professionals in International Affairs - BPIA and United States Institute of Peace. You took advantage of this opportunity and soared! Trust me, this experience will serve you well. Looking forward to seeing more of your amazing accomplishments. Sarah O. Ladipo, M.A. You are a power house! I’m so proud of how you managed to keep to your studies and contribute to the Professional Development Committee with the most positive attitude. Our endless brainstorming sessions were moments I treasured because I could see your wheels turning and your ideas blossoming. Congratulations on earning your Master of Science in War & Peace Studies from The Ohio University. Well done! Abiodun Adeoye You did it!!!! You made it to the foreign service!!!! *Fist Bump* Your patience and determination are being rewarded and now is your time to shine. You completed the internship and took advantage of BPIA offerings which only refined you. Additional congratulations are in order for earning your masters degree! Well done and I’m looking forward to hearing about the adventures from your first assignment overseas. For all of you the future is bright and the possibilities are endless. Each of you are charting your own paths on your terms and I’m excited to see what is in store for you. Congratulations on your hard work and thank you for allowing me to be part of journey! Keep the momentum and remember, pay it forward by mentoring someone behind you!