Human Resources Officer Andre Jennings, center in blue jacket, and Human Resources Specialist Rhitu Shrestha, right of Jennings, host a training session on behalf of Embassy Kathmandu’s Diversity and Outreach Program with students at American Corner Surkhet. Photo by Hirdesh Kumar K.C.
By Andre Jennings Establishing a diversified workforce is a necessary goal for any organization that recognizes and values the advantages of expanding its organizational culture. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal has embraced the Department’s strategic vision of a workforce that reflects the public it represents through the adoption of an...
Suzette Kent, federal chief information officer, serves as keynote speaker at a Women’s History Month event sponsored by employee affinity group Executive Women at State in the Loy Henderson auditorium, March 19. Kent shared her unique experiences as a female leader in industry and government. Photo by Amanda J. Richard
By Nayab Khan Women play an integral role in the Department’s workforce, and it is important to recognize their varied contributions. On March 19, Executive Women at State (EW@S) celebrated Women’s History Month by welcoming Suzette Kent, federal chief information officer for the Office of Management and Budget. EW@S President...
The Managing Dual Careers forum was held in Beijing, Jan. 24. Event organizers included (from left) Assistant CLO Sharon Fierro, Housing Manager Katya Ilieva-Stone, Consular Associate Eugenio Otero-Melendez, Consular Officer Lisa Hecht-Cronstedt, HR Officer Lycia Coble Sibilla and HR Officer Monica Simmons. Photo by Keome Rowe
By Katya Ilieva-Stone Managing dual careers in the Foreign Service—whether as a tandem couple or as a couple where only one party is a U.S. direct-hire employee—can be challenging. In China, with the lack of a bilateral work agreement and restricted internet, the challenges are even greater. To address concerns...
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Harry Harris, fourth from right, and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa, center in gray jacket, meet with WEST participants. Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy Seoul
By Lynette Evans-Tiernan International internships are on the rise. Foreign governments are interested in equipping their youth with enhanced English language proficiency, on-the-job training and an understanding of the U.S. marketplace. The Department’s Work, English Study, Travel Program (WEST) is a people-to-people exchange that meets these objectives, preparing future leaders...
Back row: Yaro Kulchyckyj, fifth from left, Kim Tuminaro, sixth from left, Rob Hankinson, seventh from left, and Melaney Monreal Starling, first from right, join with other White House Fellows and Secretary Pompeo for a group photo. Photo by Ronny Przysucha
By Yaropolk Kulchyckyj, Kim Tuminaro and Robert Hankinson Secretary of State Michael Pompeo met with the newly selected 2019 White House Leadership Development Program (WHLDP) Fellows during their visit to the Department, Dec. 20. The WHLDP focuses on building the next generation of career senior executives with a whole-of-government perspective....
Executive Director of the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, Ambassador Lino Gutiérrez (Ret.), bottom far left, poses with 2018 Cox-State Diplomacy fellows and program organizers. Photo by Matthew Pickett
By Heather Joy Thompson The Department’s Bureau of Human Resources’ Office of Recruitment, Examination and Employment (HR/REE) and the Diplomacy Center collaborated with the Una Chapman Cox Foundation to host 28 undergraduate students from historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic serving institutions for a three-day immersive diplomacy seminar last...
By Angela French Special agents in dark suits and sunglasses drive black Suburbans through the city streets while unknown VIPs are hidden behind tinted windows. The men in black could be Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agents protecting foreign dignitaries, but not this time. For the third year in a...
Residents of the Philippines’ Malapascua island identify marine species in order to map new protected areas. Photo by Bea del Soccoro
By Nicole Fox More than 100 million sharks are killed each year in what is now a billion-dollar industry. With the help of an organization funded by the United States, one Philippine municipality has made shark ecotourism the center of its economy.Malapascua, a Philippine island fewer than two miles long,...
Be part of the future of work! Submit your projects May 1- June 10. Virtual Student Federal Service VSFS. "VSFS is one of the most ingenious and valuable things I've seen in the federal government." Chang Suh, DOD
Photo Illustration by Amanda J. Richard | For the past 10 years, eDiplomacy’s Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program has invited U.S. university students to work with colleagues at the Department and across the federal government. VSFS delivers talent with regional expertise, language skills, data analytics and much more....
Secretary Pompeo hosted his second town hall for Department employees on Feb. 8. This meeting followed the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, something the Secretary mentioned while expressing gratitude for the Department’s ongoing dedication even in tough times. “We continued to have a mission,” said the Secretary. “We didn’t have our full team at work. And you all did great work. Some of you came in early. Some of you were at home wishing you could be back here, and I respect the work that you did during this difficult time in the Department’s history.” The Secretary went on to discuss the chiefs of the mission conference and employing Department family members. He took questions from the audience and above all reiterated his consistent message that Department employees are “One team, one mission.” Photo by Luis A. Jimenez Jr.
Photo by Luis A. Jimenez Jr. | Secretary Pompeo hosted his second town hall for Department employees on Feb. 8. This meeting followed the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, something the Secretary mentioned while expressing gratitude for the Department’s ongoing dedication even in tough times. “We continued to...