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]
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 hereand a mentor herefrom 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
Program Co-Chair
Morgan Mickle
Program Co-Chair
Alexandria J. Maloney
Program Founder
Tammie F. Smiley
Program Adviser
Oona Nelson
Mentor
Ethel Mwedziwendira
Mentor
Jacqueline (Jax) Shelton
Mentor
PROGRAM PARTNERS
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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Email bpiaoutreach@iabpia.org
Mailing Address
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Washington, DC 20011
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