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OUR MISSION


OUR MISSION

The United States workforce and international affairs field at large is facing major challenges in addressing diversity in recruiting and retention efforts. The Madam Ambassador Program supports the preparation and exposure of diverse students for career paths in the U.S. foreign service and the international affairs field.

The challenge of lack of funding for diversity programs threatens the existence of programs such as Madam Ambassador that are committed to increasing and preparing diverse talent in our field. Our post-program evaluation highlights the impact and exposure of the program learning objectives.

In January 2023, BPIA launched the first cohort of the Madam Ambassador International Career Exposure Program. This program educates a group of young ladies ages 13-21 in the Arlington/Alexandria Virginia area.

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

[Delegates participating in the State Department Model United Nations Summit in Washington DC]. 

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  • Exposure to leadership development from world leaders including U.S. and international ambassadors
  • Learn international affairs career paths, cultural and social etiquette, attire, and more
  • Gain insights into the pillars of democratic instutitions
  • Engage with diverse leaders at the US Department of State and other agencies to learn leadership lessons
  • Develop S.M.A.R.T. strategies toward academic career and personal goals
  • Develop skills such as elevator pitch, personal brand building, and building a professional network
  • Identify and build a professional network


RECAP VIDEO: OUR PROGRAM SESSIONS

[Delegates participating in the 2023 Garden Party Celebration hosted by Saudi Ambassador to the US HRH Princess Reema Al Saud]  

CHECK OUT THE MADAM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM 

RECAP VIDEO 

PAST SESSIONS HAVE INCLUDED 

  • Interactive International Career Paths Seminar
  • 1:1 Mentorship with International Affairs Professionals 
  • Building your Dream Career Vision Board Session
  • Dress for Success and Cultural Etiquette 
  • Participating as a delegation at the annual State Department's Model United Nations Conference hosted by UNA-NCA and meeting senior-level officials
  • Afternoon Tea Garden Party hosted by Saudi Ambassador to the United States, HRH Reema bint Bandar Al Saud AND DACOR
  • NATO Exposure Briefing Day ft. NATO leaders
  • Meeting women leaders of color across industries


PAST SESSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

[Madam Ambassador Delegates participating in a Diplomatic Simulation hosted by the Meridian International Center's DiplomacyRISE program featuring Meridian VP of Diplomatic Engagement & BPIA Advisory Member Frank Justice, Guest Speaker MJ Crawford, and BPIA Advisory Member Tammie Smiley.]

[2024 Delegates participated in a NATO Day Briefing with Founding Co-Chair of the BPIA Diplomatic Council Shawanesh Underwood, and US State Department NATO Washington Summit Senior Advisers LeAnne Noelani Howard Torrey Taussig, PhD, and Katie Nutt.] 

2023 Closing Garden Party Ceremony hosted by Saudi Ambassador HRH Princess Reema Al Saud.

HOW TO APPLY / FAQ

When is the application period?

The application period for the 2025 cohort is now open, and you can apply to be a delegate here and a mentor here from December 3, 2024, to January 3, 2025. Selections will be announced in late January 2025. 

What is the selection criteria?

Young ladies ages 13-21 based in the DC/MD/VA area with an interest in international affairs. We do consider applications for candidates outside of the DC area. All delegates are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation during the program. 

What is the process to become a mentor or volunteer in the program?  

Please contact madamambassador@iabpia.org for more information. 

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Questions may be emailed to madamambassador@iabpia.org.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

Michelle C. Washington, MPA - Intelligence and National ...

Michelle C. Washington 

Program Co-Chair

Morgan Mickle | SID-US

Morgan Mickle

Program Co-Chair

Alexandria J. Maloney

Program Founder

Tammie F. Smiley

Program Adviser

Oona N. - Public Affairs Officer - National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency  | LinkedIn

Oona Nelson

Mentor

Ethel Mwedziwendira - University of Mississippi - Washington, District of  Columbia, United States | LinkedIn

Ethel Mwedziwendira

Mentor

Profile photo of Jacqueline Shelton, CGMP

Jacqueline (Jax) Shelton

Mentor

PROGRAM PARTNERS


Meridian International Center - Wikipedia

United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA)


United States Department of State - Wikipedia

DACOR and DACOR Bacon House Foundation | LinkedIn


PAST COHORTS

Madam Ambassador Alumni may contact madamambassador@iabpia.org for access to the Alumni Intranet Site for resources and contact sheet. Madam Ambassador Alumnae are encouraged to continue participating and mentoring in the program. 

2024 COHORT

Abigail Taylor

Evangeline Billips

Gia Michelle Williams

Julie Tendo

Karson Nicole Smith

Kat Bricourt

Klonese Aisha Williams

Lauren K. Harris

Lillian Magdalena Aguirre

Makay abdimajid shale

Meagan McKinney

Namara Mugamba

Nyiohbe Anxe Reyes

Obaahemaa Mensah

Priya Rubio

Sabry Tate

Sahara Abdimajid Shale

Savannah Daley

Shanaiya Miller

Sienna Rollins

Stephanie Bityeki

Susan Shale

Sydney Tate

Taylor Elizabeth Kyei

Vivienne Taliaferro Price

Zahra Rahimi


2023 COHORT

Adonya Hailu

Chisom Kelechi

Elena Motayne

Eloah M Makassi

Jasmine N Tucker

Jordyn DePina

Kaffe (Kathy) Grimes

Kaffe Grimes

Kennedy Cordle

Leah Mann

Mariah A. Williams

Nyiohbe Reyes

Priscilla Adarkwa

Sabry Tate

Sama Kubba

Taylor C. Gibbs

Watscia Duke

Zoie Richelieu

PARTNERSHIP: THE ARLINGTON (VA) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED 


This Program would not be possible without the generous contribution of the Arlington (VA) Chapter of the Links, Inc. 

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 17,000 professional women of African descent in 299 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

The Arlington (VA) Chapter of the Links Inc passionately and enthusiastically has served the local community for more than five decades rendering countless hours of volunteer service, promoting social activism, awarding scholarships and cultivating the Arts. Since 1966, their legacy of Friendship and Service continues to be a powerful presence in the Arlington and Alexandria communities. This presence is strengthened through the focused energy exhibited in the five program facets:

  • Services to Youth
  • The Arts
  • National Trends and Services
  • International Trends and Services
  • Health and Human Services

The Arlington (VA) Chapter prides itself on producing great leaders, and have the distinct honor of having three (3) National Presidents elected from its membership: Pauline Ellison (6th National President), Dolly Adams, Ph.D., (8th National President), and Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Ph.D. (17th National President). Worthy of note, Patricia Russell McCloud, J.D. (11th National President) was a former member of the Arlington Chapter where she was inducted into membership.


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BPIA membership is open to all applicants who support our mission and goals without regard to race, religion/creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual preference or identity.

Email
bpiaoutreach@iabpia.org

Mailing Address

BPIA

P.O. Box 55922

Washington, DC 20011


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