News

AAFSW is pleased to announce the winners of our 2024 merit scholarships. Learn more about these stellar students below.

Merit Scholarship Awardees

 Isabelle A. Boyd

Isabelle Ann Boyd: A remarkable journey of resilience, adaptability, and determination. 

Isabelle Boyd is a rising sophomore majoring in Psychology and English at Virginia Tech. Born in Lithuania during her father’s first Foreign Service tour, Isabelle has also lived in Armenia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Ukraine.  Isabelle spent a significant part of her high school years in Kyiv. However, her life took an unexpected turn when the United States embassy instructed her family to evacuate due to the impending threat of a Russian invasion. They returned to the United States, settling in temporary housing in Falls Church, Virginia.

Isabelle remained committed to her education despite the uncertainty and upheaval. Unable to transfer to a local high school mid-academic year, she continued her classes through Kyiv International School despite the time difference. At the same time, her friends, classmates, and teachers were scattered across the globe seeking safety. Isabelle’s achievements are commendable: Dean’s List, Fall 2023, AP Scholar with Honor Award (2022), and AP Scholar with Distinction Award (2023).

Isabelle’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, even in the most challenging circumstances. Additionally, Isabelle’s involvement in the Team Tennis League was transformative. Initially daunting, she found courage and discovered a sense of community. Regular play with her team fostered belonging and friendship, making her eager to return next semester. Furthermore, her experience with the “Bookworms” reading service club was significant. As a mentor to local elementary students, Isabelle shared her love for reading, inspiring the younger generation.

Lexy Jane Boudreau 

Lexy Jane Boudreau: A journey across equations, cultures and disciplines.

Her family’s involvement has profoundly influenced Lexy Jane Boudreau’s life in the Foreign Service. Having lived in diverse countries such as Bermuda, Ukraine, South Korea, Uganda, and Jordan, Lexy’s experiences have broadened her horizons and instilled a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. She is pursuing a dual degree in Industrial Engineering and Science, Technology, and Society at North Carolina State University. At North Carolina State University, Lexy’s dual degree in Industrial Engineering and Science, Technology, and Society navigates the intricate web of equations and societal implications, seeking harmony between progress and people. 

As part of the Grand Challenge Scholars Program, Lexy is enthusiastic about restoring and improving urban infrastructure, aiming to connect community needs with engineering outcomes. Her unique insights and global perspective make her a valuable advocate for positive change. Additionally, her background in diplomacy equips her with the skills to navigate complex international relations and foster collaboration across borders. 

The Grand Challenge Scholars Program is crucial in shaping Lexy’s academic journey. This program empowers students like Lexy to tackle real-world problems by addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, fostering innovation and sustainable solutions. Likewise, her exposure to foreign service life has honed her adaptability, cultural competence, and ability to bridge gaps between nations.

AAFSW’s Twice Exceptional Merit Scholarship 

Katherine A. Nicodemus

Katherine Nicodemus’s story: A multicultural journey.

Katherine Nicodemus, a third-year student at George Mason University, embodies a rich tapestry of experiences. She was born in Virginia and spent her formative years in Germany, Austria, Ghana, and West Africa. These diverse cultural influences profoundly shaped her worldview. 

Driven by a passion for helping others, Katherine actively engages in volunteer work and aspires to become a social worker. As an ABA therapist, she adeptly manages behavior in children on the autism spectrum. Beyond her professional pursuits, Katherine cherishes her love for singing (which began at age two) and her enjoyment of volleyball. She is a middle child, with an older brother 18 months her senior and a beloved 14-year-old sister. Her affinity for animals extends to her two devoted cats, who faithfully follow her every move. 

The scholarship she has received represents a momentous honor, empowering her to advance her education and contribute to sustainable solutions within our communities. Katherine expresses deep gratitude to AAFSW for this incredible opportunity and eagerly anticipates continuing her journey with their unwavering support.

Harrison I. Gordon  

Harrison Gordon: A journey in anthropology and diplomacy.

Harrison Gordon is a 19-year-old student at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. His dedication to unraveling the stories of our past is evident through his major in Anthropology. With a fascination for history and a keen interest in the rich narratives that human experiences reveal, Harrison has embarked on an academic journey to explore our collective heritage.

His passion for understanding the world through a historical lens led him to choose Anthropology as his major. In this field, he delves into the biocultural evolution, diversity, and adaptability of humans. Harrison learns how we have modified our environments and behaviors throughout history to thrive.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Harrison is an accomplished Eagle Scout, demonstrating his leadership skills and commitment to community service. When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys swimming, hiking, and expressing his creativity through working with clay. His love for discovery extends to thrift stores, where he seeks out unique items.

Harrison Gordon’s multifaceted interests and dedication to understanding our past make him a promising Anthropology major at Fort Lewis College1. The Four Corners region provides an ideal backdrop for his studies, allowing him to explore the intricate connections between culture, biology, and history. As he studies anthropology, Harrison gains insights into human behavior, social structures, and belief systems. These insights are invaluable for diplomats working in diverse contexts. Anthropologists contribute to policymaking, conflict resolution, and sustainable development by analyzing cultural dynamics and fostering empathy.

Best Essay Scholarship

Lillian C. Moo 

Lillian Moo: On a mission to combat climate change.

Growing up in the Foreign Service, Lillian Moo’s life has been shaped by unexpected twists and global experiences. In 2013, her family was abruptly expelled from Venezuela during the school year, teaching her resilience and adaptability. Later, she moved from the United States to Hungary, diving into the IB program despite the challenges.

Lillian’s academic achievements are a testament to her intellectual prowess. She made the Oregon State University Honor Roll (Fall 2023, Winter 2024), was one of three valedictorians in her high school class of sixty students, received the prestigious President’s Award for Academic Excellence, and was a semifinalist for the highly competitive US Presidential Scholars program.

However, the monsoons in Mumbai left lasting impressions on Lillian. The relentless rain, flooded streets, and stalled traffic revealed the stark realities of anthropogenic climate change. As a third-culture kid, she witnessed firsthand climate impacts—wading through floods in Jakarta, observing Venezuela’s fossil fuel economy, and engaging with Hungary’s climate politics.

As a civil engineering student at Oregon State University, Lillian is committed to building resilient communities. She conducts research on wildfire effects on indoor air quality and volunteers with Engineers Without Borders, designing water systems for Nicaragua. Her journey reflects a passion for global change—a legacy of his diverse upbringing.

Lillian Moo’s dedication to combatting climate change is commendable, and her experiences as a third-culture kid uniquely position her to make a difference.

Judy Felt Memorial Volunteerism Scholarship

Elena Elizabeth Diaz 

Elena Elizabeth Diaz: A journey of family bonds and academic excellence.

Elena Elizabeth Diaz embarked on a remarkable journey alongside her family. Born in the United States, Elena’s life took an exciting turn when they relocated to Riga, Latvia. This move was not just about changing addresses but an opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, language, and way of life. Elena’s diverse experiences span El Salvador, Japan, Latvia, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with travel to over forty countries.

In 2024, Elena became a Laidlaw Scholar at the University of St Andrews. This prestigious scholarship funds a two-year research, volunteer, and leadership program to develop ethical leaders who reinvest their skills to help others succeed. Elena’s research focuses on the trans-generational effects of opioid addiction. Her academic achievements include being the valedictorian at the International School of Brussels and receiving the Maura Murphy Scholarship. Elena shares her passion for education and cultural exchange as a University of St Andrews Student Ambassador.

Beyond accolades, Elena treasures her family’s unique understanding. They share lived experiences, effortlessly bridging cultural references. Their togetherness remains unwavering, regardless of changing addresses. Elena recognizes this as a rare gift—one that not everyone has. Beyond the benefits of being a third-culture kid, the trust, empathy, and stability within her family stand out. Their shared journey has forged unbreakable bonds, proving that home is not just a place—it is the people who share your heart.

Elena’s story exemplifies resilience and the power of family.

Congratulations to our 2024 scholarship recipients!

Judges

• Melanie McFeeters, Volunteers & Evacuee Support Network (ESN) Chair
• Dr. Joanna Athanasopoulos Owen, Public Relations & Publicity Chair
• Ann La Porta, Forum Chair
• Victoria Olsa, Foreign Born Spouses Group Co-Chair
• Jenny Kocher, Foreign Born Spouses Group & EFM Employment Co-Chair
• Adah Laureano Ellenport, Scholarships Chair

Bios by  Celine Ford, President

The Ambassador of Hungary in Washington, D.C., Mr. Szabolcs Ferenc Takács, expresses gratitude to AAFSW for this invitation and the opportunity to share 1100 years of Hungary’s history, geography, and complexities. H.E. acknowledges the embassy’s awareness of the AAFSW’s public diplomacy programs and outreach.

You can watch a video of the program below.

Celine Ford, June 10, 2024

In a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. hosted the members and friends of the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW) to an enchanting evening reception on May 31, 2024. The event was a splendid showcase of Sri Lanka’s allure as a premier tourist destination.

AAFSW expresses sincere gratitude to Ambassador Samarasinghe and his leadership team. Their expert curation of the program, in collaboration with the enthusiastic participation of all attendees, highlighted Sri Lanka’s vibrant heritage and facilitated meaningful connections among all participants. Moreover, the Sri Lanka Embassy took proactive steps to engage their local and international networks, organizing a raffle that offered participants the opportunity to experience international travel and luxury stays in Sri Lanka. The skilled musicians and elegant ballet dancers, dressed in traditional finery, added to the evening’s magic.

A Night of Diplomatic Harmony and Cultural Exchange

H.E. Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe spearheaded the evening with a poignant speech that traced the historical bonds between Sri Lanka and the United States. He recounted the influential work of American missionaries in Sri Lanka’s north during the 1800s, the pivotal role of Colonel Henry Steel Olcott in the resurgence of Buddhism, and the contributions of John Exter, the inaugural Governor of the Central Bank of Ceylon post-independence. The Ambassador’s narrative, enriched with anecdotes and historical context, further highlighted the pivotal support of the United States in Sri Lanka’s recent economic revival through the IMF Program, weaving a tapestry of shared history that resonated with the distinguished guests.

Visual and Performing Arts: A Glimpse into Sri Lanka’s Soul

The embassy’s premises transformed into a visual odyssey with a photographic exhibition that captured the essence of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, natural wonders, and the indomitable spirit of its people. These images, courtesy of the “America – Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles” and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, offered a window into the island’s soul.

Complementing the visual feast, the rhythmic beats of “Ceylon Bera” and the expressive performances by the “Lanka Dance Academy,” under the direction of Lanka Mudannayake, illustrated the country’s rich dance traditions. The unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements in the performances, such as Achila Perera’s Bharathanatyam dance, was a testament to the vibrant and diverse culture of Sri Lanka. These performances, an evening highlight, added to the tapestry of diversity.

A Culinary Journey to Remember

The evening’s gastronomic offerings celebrated Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage. Guests were treated to an array of expertly crafted traditional flavors displaying the unique blend of spices and ingredients that make Sri Lankan cuisine so distinctive. For this gastronomic journey, a renowned Sri Lankan restaurant curated a dinner buffet to create a symphony of Ceylon spices. The live station serving fresh hoppers, a traditional Sri Lankan delicacy, became the night’s culinary centerpiece, delighting the palates of all attendees and offering an authentic taste of Sri Lanka. An unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of Sri Lanka, the sumptuous dinner buffet was a highlight of the event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Ceylon Tea: A Sip of Serenity

A special tea corner offered a serene retreat where guests could savor the rich flavors of freshly brewed hot and iced Ceylon tea, a beloved national treasure.

An Evening to Remember

The night culminated in a raffle draw, with lucky winners receiving a return air ticket to Colombo and luxurious hotel stays courtesy of Sri Lankan Airlines GSA in New York, Thema Collection Hotels, and Theva Residency Boutique Hotel Kandy.

Behind the Scenes of Our Cultural Programs

Collaboration at Its Best

The road to a memorable cultural program involves multi-level efforts. AAFSW collaborated closely with the Embassy of Sri Lanka leadership, leaving no stone unturned, and orchestrated a delightful Sri Lankan evening for over 150 attendees.

Program Goals and Key Messages

Our programs have clear goals: to celebrate a country’s vibrant culture, promote cross-cultural understanding, and create lasting memories. The target audience included diplomats, expatriates, and members and friends of AAFSW. We developed communication materials such as brochures and communications tools to ensure consistent branding and messaging. These succinctly summarized the program’s essential features, benefits, and contact information, aligning seamlessly with our vision and objectives.

A Note on Consistency

We must recognize that all our programs and events require the same dedication from AAFSW’s team and volunteers, all hands on deck. 

Thank you, our members, for your support and for making these programs and evenings remarkable. Your dedication truly exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and community within AAFSW.

You can see a video here.

Best,

Celine

Celine Ford, June 6, 2024

AAFSW is pleased to present the ‘Divorce and the Foreign Service Rights and Responsibilities’ guidelines, a crucial resource for our community. These guidelines, part of the 2023 Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO), showcase AAFSW’s continuous advocacy by AAFSW, particularly the Spouses in Crisis and Crisis Fund Chairs. We have been championing better treatment of abandonment during separation and divorce with the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Global Talent Management Bureau and Congress.

In the context of the foreign service community, while there is no specific data on the divorce rate, AAFSW has observed an uptick in families contemplating separation or divorce in recent years. These circumstances often emerge under severe conditions for the spouse and children. Living abroad without the support of extended family or friends, families, and individual members of the foreign affairs community confronts unique relationship stresses. They frequently must adjust their personalities or lifestyles to blend into local contexts. The pressures of relocating to a new environment and leaving behind one’s support network can strain marriages.

Life-altering events such as divorce can be profoundly stressful, often leading to trauma that can impair our decision-making abilities. This state of vulnerability can sometimes open the door to exploitation. Proceeding with a divorce hastily without comprehensive legal advice, signing documents without a thorough understanding of their implications, and misjudging and misclassifying marital assets can all present considerable risks. In their urgency to escape an unhealthy marriage, some individuals may be willing to relinquish assets they are rightfully entitled to. On the other hand, others may opt to endure harmful marriages due to financial limitations. Both situations are far from ideal.

Familiarizing yourself and sharing the 2023 Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) “Divorce and the Foreign Service Rights and Responsibilities” guide is highly recommended. This comprehensive resource provides invaluable information and resources for those navigating this challenging process. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of Foreign Service employees or dependents serving under the Chief of Mission at post or their manager in the DMV. It also guides potential pension, survivor, and health benefits, as well as resources for counseling services. You can contact the Management Officer assigned to your post for more detailed information. Please remember that some benefits may cease once a divorce is finalized.

Amidst the challenges of divorce, it’s essential to know that AAFSW is steadfast in its commitment to supporting family members in these situations, whether in the U.S. or overseas. We actively mediate and negotiate with the State Department’s Family Liaison Office, support groups, and networks of family lawyers, ensuring that you have the necessary support during this difficult time.

When in a distress situation, usually during a separation or divorce, to find support navigating these challenging transitions, and under a strict rule of confidentiality, do not hesitate to contact the AAFSW Spouses in Transition Chair, the Foreign-Born Spouse State Liaison Chair, or the Office Manager.

We strongly encourage you to share these guidelines with your colleagues and friends in the Foreign Affairs community. By spreading this information, we can better support each other and ensure everyone knows their rights and responsibilities during divorce.

Divorce and the Foreign Service – U.S. Department of State

Spouses in Transition Support – Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (aafsw.org)

On behalf of AAFSW, we commemorated the Centennial Foreign Affairs Day on May 3, 2024. It was an honor to acknowledge the courageous and dignified individuals in foreign affairs and to pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice during the Wreath Ceremony.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Deputy Secretary Verma for paying homage to AAFSW’s Wreath, a symbol of remembrance for our Foreign Service Family Members who have passed away while serving abroad. Their memories continue to inspire us. As always, thank you for being so supportive.

Celine Ford – President AAFSW

AAFSW needs your help!

Want to help AAFSW but don’t have a regular schedule or want to do something less often? Quinn’s Auction sends us notice of their auctions and their free appraisals. You would monitor the emails, contact the appropriate Chair to see if there is anything to be appraised, sign up for a time slot and take the item/s to Quinns located in Falls Church, VA. Nothing is huge so handling it will not be a problem. Contact Anne Kauzlarich for more information: Anne.kauzlarich@aafsw.org.

JEWELRY PRICER

With the sad passing of our beloved Betty Swope, we are now in need of someone who loves jewelry. Each piece of jewelry is evaluated – looked up if necessary – then priced. During Art & BookFair, you are very important. The work can be done from home or there is a designated area in the BookStore for your convenience. Sorting and display will continue to be handled by Pat Kennedy. Contact Anne.Kauzlarich@aafsw.org for details.

Won’t you join us? AAFSW runs on volunteers. Without you, there will be no scholarships or programs for our Foreign Service/Civil Service families and community. Join us.

Dear AAFSW Members and Friends,

As the days lengthen and blossoms emerge, we extend warm Spring greetings to you all. This season symbolizes renewal, growth, and hope—a time to embrace fresh opportunities and connect with our community.

I am thrilled to announce a significant new partnership with the esteemed National Defense University (NDU). This collaboration is not just a mere association but a testament to the importance and value we place on fostering meaningful connections and support within our community.

NDU’s International Student Management Office (ISMO) manages a sponsor program to support and assist International Fellows (IFs) studying at NDU. These officers attend various NDU colleges, including the National War College (NWC), the Eisenhower School (ES), the College of International Security Affairs (CISA), or the College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC) in Washington, D.C., as well as the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) in Norfolk, Virginia. The program aims to establish meaningful relationships between sponsors and IFs, offering unique international interactions. Sponsors provide valuable community and support as IFs transition to a new country and spend a year at NDU. The program has proven beneficial, allowing Fellows and their families to experience American culture and fostering lasting relationships. 
 
On April 4, 2024, I met with Ambassador Young’s NDU Sponsor Program team on the NDU campus to explore avenues for collaboration. Melanie Mcfeeters, our new Evacuation Chair, will help coordinate this partnership for AAFSW. We are looking for people who have lived in America and can give the students an idea of daily life here. The sponsor program involves making meaningful connections and participating in NDU-sponsored festivals and events. There is an International Fellow Luncheon in early Spring, to which everyone at NDU, their families, and sponsors are invited. Stay tuned for further developments and exciting opportunities through this program. Your engagement and participation are vital to its success!

Director General Ambassador Bernicat invited AASFW to her office in May to learn more about our organization. During this discussion, we plan to address the following topics: Gratitude for 24 STATE 26038 Separation and Divorce: Responsibilities and Resources, released on March 13, 2024. Including SOSA Awards in OPFs and the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) in eligible recipients’ Official Personnel Files (OPFs). EFM Museum Exhibit at National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD): including an exhibit at the National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD) that highlights the significant contributions of EFM/SOSA awardees. Enhanced Training Access for EFMs/MOH: Improved communication channels to empower more spouses/partners to access valuable training opportunities.

We look forward to honoring exceptional students as applications for AAFSW’s Merit Scholarships and Twice Exceptional Merit Scholarship are now open. Thank you to John K. Naland for inviting AAFSW to participate in the Foreign Service Youth Foundation’s Youth Awards Ceremony, which will be on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in the Marshall Center. Please learn more at AAFSW’s Annual Youth Merit Scholarships here.

We look forward to the upcoming Foreign Affairs Day, May 3, 2024, a day of celebration and recognition for our community’s achievements!

Thank you for being so supportive, as always,
Celine

We extend our condolences to Betty’s family, friends, and colleagues. We are sad to share her passing on March 9, 2024.

Betty Swope dedicated her Foreign Service career to helping others. Her compassion and commitment left a lasting impact on those she served. Even after retirement, Betty remained a beacon of kindness and mentorship. Many knew her as a dear friend and a tireless advocate for our community.

Notably, Betty played an integral role in managing the jewelry section of our annual Art & Book Fair. Her passion and dedication shone through; her legacy will forever inspire us.

To Betty’s family and friends, we offer our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. 

Below, we have copied her obituary, including the details about the viewing and the funeral service, published by The Washington Post. It can also be accessed here. 

 With deepest sympathy,

 AAFSW

Mary Elizabeth Swope (1944-2024)

By The Washington Post – March 13, 2024

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Swope, age 79, passed away on March 9, 2024, of congestive lung failure.

Betty was born on March 11, 1944, at Columbia Hospital in Washington, DC, and grew up in Arlington and Herndon, Virginia. She graduated from Mary Baldwin College with a BA and received an MPA from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is also a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair and the U.S. Department of State Senior Seminar.

Always known as a woman ahead of her time, Betty joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1967, looking for a career that allowed her to travel and serve her country. She remained in the Foreign Service for her entire career, serving with dedication and distinction in multiple countries, including Portugal, Spain, Mexico, France, and Egypt. She was twice appointed Consul General (Cairo and Guadalajara). Also, she held important posts in Washington, DC, as Director of Consular Training at the Foreign Service Institute, U.S. Mexico Border Coordinator, Deputy Director of Management Operations, and in the Consular Affairs Division of the Office of the State Department’s Legal Advisor, working with state and local law enforcement on U.S. treaty obligations when foreign nationals are arrested in the U.S. She was especially committed to consular work and assisting Americans as they worked and traveled overseas. Over the years, Betty received several State Department awards and was an active member of Executive Women at State and the Mentor Program.

Betty believed one of her most important roles was assisting the next generation of State Department staff in their careers. She will long be remembered as a friend and mentor to innumerable junior personnel and individuals interested in diplomatic careers. In retirement, she continued to mentor many. She was a member of Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) and the Associates of the American Foreign Service (AAFSW), for whom she managed the jewelry section of its Annual Book Fair.

Betty is survived by her husband of 43 years, Patrick F Kennedy, also a retired member of the Foreign Service, whom she married on January 31, 1981, in the Bethlehem Chapel at the Washington National Cathedral. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother, John W. Swope. She was predeceased by her parents, Ralph R. Swope and Elizabeth Anderson Swope, and one brother, Ralph R. Swope, Jr.