State Magazine

“I found that this was actually really interesting, intriguing, rewarding and thought I’d find a way to stay here beyond those few months as an intern, and that few months has turned into 16 years.” Josué Barrera serves in the Civil Service as a senior public diplomacy advisor in the Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

“The thing that I really appreciate about my domestic tours is that they have allowed me to focus internally on the institution.” Yolonda Kerney serves in the Foreign Service as a senior policy advisor in the Secretary’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. 

“One can only be successful in what they do if they themselves are mentally well.” Dr. Young Hoang serves in the Civil Service and formerly served as director of the Office of Employee Consultation Services in the Bureau of Medical Services.

“I always viewed public service to be an avenue that tackled big questions and helped come up with solutions.” Waleed Hashmi is a Civil Service foreign affairs officer in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs’ Office of Pakistan Affairs. 

“I believe the Department is very serious about diversity and inclusion ... we are talking about being a role model for other societies." Paulo Moncores is a Foreign Service information management specialist at Embassy Ljubljana.

“The fact that I could point to a time when my national leader, my president, took my advice on board and actually utilized it … that really spoke to me.” Jennifer Tierney is a Foreign Service generalist currently serving as an economic officer at Embassy Bogota.

“I believe fully in the U.S. government as being an entity for good and how we can promote human rights around the world.” Katrina Fotovat is a Civil Service senior official for the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues. 

“ a lot of times people don’t know where to go or who to contact, and that’s where I come in.” Theresa Davis is a Civil Service management analyst in the Bureau of Global Talent Management's Executive Office, General Services Division.

“I’ve always wanted to be available to serve my countryand joining the Department of State gave me that opportunity." Kasirat “Bo” Villa is a Foreign Service specialist serving as operations branch chief at the Regional Information Management Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.