News

Many AAFSW members and DOS employees gathered on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 for an inspiring presentation and book signing by Jonna Mendez regarding her new published project entitled: "In True Face." As part of our continuing fundraising efforts, AAFSW received 20% of all book sales at the event.

Jonna Mendez is a retired CIA intelligence officer with 27 years of service. When she retired, Jonna was the Chief of Disguise at the CIA. Since that time, Jonna has continued her career as a photographer, a consultant / lecturer, and an author. Jonna is also a founding board member of the International Spy Museum. She and her husband, Tony Mendez, have published a number of books together, including ARGO -- which was made into an Oscar-winning film. 

"In True Face," which was presented at AAFSW Books and Global Treasures, is Jonna's most recent book. Many of Jonna's talks can be found online. Currently, Jonna is working on her next, and she says her last, book. Then, Jonna says, she will retire -- again.

AAFSW is grateful to Jonna Mendez for her thought-provoking book presentation and is looking forward to her next project. 

Joanna Athanasopoulos Owen, PhD

AAFSW Public Relations and Publicity Chair

If you know anyone affected by ongoing evacuations, please let them know to reach out to our Evacuee Support Network (ESN) and list what they need the most. 

Please let us know if you wish to help with ESN.

Join to become an active volunteer! Subscribe to receive our news. Donate to enable our teams and benefit evacuees. Contact us with any questions. 

We anticipate a high volume of inquiries and offers to help (thank you!) and we may not be able to respond to every email immediately. We will be in touch as soon as we can.

AAFSW, where the Foreign Service becomes a family!

As some of you have noted, we are now preparing for an evacuation from Kinshasa, Congo. 

Post has shared that they were notified of ordered departure on January 28 and anticipate the first families arriving over the weekend. 

If you know anyone affected by ongoing evacuations, please let them know to reach out to our Evacuation Support Network and list what they'd like to receive - A team will be at Dulles when the first evacuees arrive this Friday, January 31, and will supply warm clothes, and other necessary items.

If you wish to help and donate clothes, toys, or lend cribs, seat boosters, etc., there will be a donation box at the AAFSW BookStore in the basement. We are working to offer other donation points in the DMV. You can write to the team using the contact form in the link.

If you wish to help in any way, please let us know here.

AAFSW, where the Foreign Service becomes a family!

Introduction

The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide is seeking an Office Manager - available 20-30 hours a week - passionate about serving the U.S. Foreign Service community and growing the organization through membership outreach and development. The successful candidate will oversee day-to-day operations and ensure friendly service to its members. The ideal applicant will exhibit strong organizational skills, enjoy overseeing multiple assignments, value operational excellence, be adept at social media, and possess strong interpersonal skills.

This is a part-time, hybrid position located in Arlington, VA, with flexible hours and an option to telework several days a week. The starting pay for this position is GS-06 equivalent, with an increase to GS-07 after 6 months of satisfactory performance. Other benefits include paid annual and sick leave, telework flexibility, a U.S. Department of State badge, parking privileges, among others. 

Deadline to apply: COB February 21, 2025 (EST).

Summary of Responsibilities and Qualifications

The Office Manager is responsible for a variety of administrative and member-based duties as described (Other duties may be assigned):

Event Planning, Member Services, and Volunteer Coordination

• Assist with event planning and coordination, including compiling attendee lists, submitting access requests, assisting with guest check-in, arranging VIP guest escorts, and managing venue/room reservations at the State Department, in liaison with Diplomatic Security (DS).

• Coordinate volunteer activities with the committees’ chairs and build strong relationships with new volunteers. 

• Participate and contribute to membership growth strategies and programs. 

• Collate, record, and present summaries on membership growth and activity. 

• Availability for some fundraising dinners about three times a year.

• Availability to help with the association’s Art and Bookfair, held once a year for over two weeks in the fall at the State Department. 

Communications and Database Management

• Respond to queries made by phone and through email; draft and send correspondence, respecting established templates. 

• Compile and electronically disseminate information, including board meeting agendas and minutes, invitations, flyers, etc.

• Organize association files and databases, promptly entering and updating data as needed. 

• Manage and maintain the association management system,  verifying and updating the membership database.

• Coordinate requests for flyers with the vice-president in charge of communication.

• Print flyers, award certificates, and other collateral as needed.

Office Administration and Bookkeeping 

• Maintain a clean, well-organized, and welcoming office for use by board members and volunteers. 

• Assist and collaborate with AAFSW Board of Directors, committees’ chairs, program managers, volunteers, contractors, and other internal clients.

• Perform minor bookkeeping tasks, including billing and processing membership fees, event sales, and miscellaneous receipts; seek approval and pay routine invoices.

• Maintain office and computer equipment upgrades as needed to ensure quality performance. 

• Oversee supplies inventory and order as needed. 

Qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Creative critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Attention to detail and demonstrated experience with data entry, data maintenance, and reporting.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Familiarity with social media communications.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; proficiency or ability to quickly learn Google Workspace, Canva, and Wild Apricot. 

• Good understanding of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Foreign Service community.

• Familiarity with accounting software Quicken, and web-based CRM, or membership software, would be a plus.

• Hold an active background check or be able to obtain one upon hiring.

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and estimated availability to efmemployment@aafsw.org. Candidates invited for an interview will be required to send three references prior to the interview. Deadline is COB February, 21, 2025 (Eastern Standard Time). 

About AAFSW 

Created in 1960, the Associates of American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW) is a 501(c)(3) membership-based non-profit association affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. AAFSW is dedicated to supporting the needs of the Community of U.S. Foreign Affairs agencies, including Foreign Service and Civil Service employees, spouses, partners, members of household and retirees thanks to the engagement of its volunteers. AAFSW is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please visit aafsw.org. 

Dear AAFSW Members and Friends,

We are deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires currently affecting the Los Angeles area. A state of emergency has been issued, and thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this disaster.

If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources:

California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund / Wildfire Recovery Fund - California Community Foundation

 GlobalGiving's California Wildfire Relief Fund / Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation | Kindful

Chefs for California / World Central Kitchen

Pasadena Humane Society to support pet evacuations / Pasadena Humane | Compassionate Care for Animals Since 1903

Thank you for your generosity and compassion during this challenging time.

Best regards,

Celine 

Gratitude and Growth: AAFSW's Journey Forward

Dear AAFSW Members and Friends,

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! We are deeply grateful for the incredible support and generosity of our members and donors, and the dedication of our community. Your contributions have made a significant impact in furthering our mission.

In 2024, we received generous donations in memory of Betty Swope and Tom Switzer, as well as from our 2024 Annual Book Fair (ABF), our Dec. 6th Gala Fundraiser, Giving Tuesday, Youth Scholarships, Awards, and general contributions. Each donation has played a vital role.

It was a pleasure and an honor to greet you at our events and programs throughout 2024 year at embassies, and the Harry S. Truman Building (HST). We also participated in partner events such as onboarding, retirement ceremonies, and support of our foreign-born members with the Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) and the Inter Agencies Round Table (IART).

We are especially grateful for the visibility and support that Secretary Blinken and Ms. Evan Ryan brought to this year's Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) ceremony, as well as for the donations and words of support from Former Secretary Baker and Mrs. Baker and Former Secretary Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Their involvement has highlighted the importance of our work and the impact on our community globally.

Our Crisis Fund has been instrumental in supporting spouses in dire need of advice and financial support. Our virtual workshops and partner events have been valuable resources, and we have been actively involved in National Defense University (NDU)-related events, evacuation support, and the Art & Diplomacy event.

As we move forward into 2025, we remain committed to supporting the foreign service community and fostering connections through our events and initiatives. We look forward to seeing you this year and sharing more meaningful experiences together. Your generosity and involvement inspire us to continue making a positive impact in our foreign affairs community.

Best regards and best wishes for 2025,

Celine Ford

Join us on January 5, 2025 from 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm.

Happy Hour at Chef Geoff from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.

Dear members and friends of AAFSW,

I am delighted to announce the closing event of AAFSW’s Art and Diplomacy Series. Join us on January 5, 2025, from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm at the National United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave., NW, Washington, DC, to welcome the new year and celebrate the success of our exhibition.

I am sharing the words of the artists from the opening. Join us with your loved ones and friends to meet the artists and show your support. The exhibition has been an incredible platform to highlight the talents and inspirations within our foreign service community. We believe that art has a unifying effect, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the enriching power of art and the mutual understanding of our global village and culture. After the event, please join us for Happy Hour at Chef Geoff, 3201 New Mexico Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20026.

Happy Holidays!

Warm regards,

Celine Ford

President, AAFSW

From the Artists:

Andrea

“The arts are powerful diplomacy and international relations tools, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. Art transcends language barriers, creating empathy and promoting soft power. As a diplomatic spouse, I have lived in many countries, including Jamaica, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

I have witnessed the meaning of art in various forms, from skillful wood carvings to finely painted porcelains and Ikat clothing. In Uzbekistan, the richness of their culture, which evolved from trading along the Silk Road, is expressed in handmade artworks such as wood-carved columns, painted ceramics, and Ikat clothing. Tashkent International Women’s Group allowed me to meet talented artists who incorporate Uzbek symbols, such as pomegranates and chili peppers, into their work.

These symbols connect cultures and create meaningful connections. My fluid art fascinated many Uzbek artists, and my works were featured in local galleries and a museum in Tashkent.

This multicultural cooperation exemplifies how art brings diplomacy to life and encourages dialogues about social and political issues.”

Andrew

“As a documentary photographer, writer, and explorer, I am a proud member of The Explorer's Club, the Nautical Archaeological Society, an Eagle Scout, and a Dive Master. My journey began working for newspapers as a staff writer and photographer, which eventually led me to spend years on documentary projects in Mexico, Central America, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. Often, I partnered with humanitarian and medical missions, specializing in documenting relief programs, expeditions, and archaeological projects in remote and usually austere environments.

My work focuses on people and the environments in which they live, migration, and borderlands, both existential and metaphysical. I have worked for the U.S. Department of State as an EFM in Mumbai, India, Monterrey, Mexico, and Guatemala City, Guatemala. These experiences have enriched my perspective and deepened my commitment to capturing the human condition through my lens.

My work has been shown in numerous exhibitions, featured on ABC News, and published by National Geographic Press, Field Photographer, National Public Radio, Human Nature, Black and White Magazine, Wired Online Magazine, Minority Rights International, and many other publications. Currently, I am working on projects concerning the sacred and secular geography of the Ganges River, the U.S./Mexico Border, and issues of migration, public health, and water.”

Nicole

“My name is Nicole Tobin. First and foremost, thank you for coming to today’s reception. I want to thank the National United Methodist Church for hosting our exhibition and AAFSW and Andrea Salzman for all their work in putting it together. I am truly honored to be included in this amazing exhibition of our Foreign Service family's talent, beauty, and insight.

Our journey as Foreign Service officers and family members shaped how we view the world, and our interpretations are shown throughout the exhibit. A little bit about myself: I am a Kansas native, growing up in the Midwest and enjoying the expansive skies. I chose to study Russian in high school, which eventually led me to the Foreign Service after picking up a law degree. I have served in Russia, Brazil, Ukraine, and Mexico. I took up painting in 2019, as my other creative hobby—sewing—resulted in an overfull closet. I incorporate my love of textiles, skies, monuments, and handicrafts into my pieces.

The pieces I have chosen to show here reflect my love of my country, my hopes and dreams for Ukraine, and an expanded view of justice through Aristotle’s cardinal virtues. Thank you again.

Quick disclaimer: none of my opinions should be taken as an official view of the United States.”

Randa

I was born and raised in Amman, Jordan. My father was from Jaffa, and my mother was from the Netherlands. I was influenced by my parents' cultural backgrounds and was blessed to grow up in Jordan, a country that remains close to my heart. I studied classical music at the Conservatory in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

When I returned home to Jordan in 1999, I had my first art exhibit at the Blue Fig Cafe in Amman.

I have taught piano lessons and music classes for twenty-five years and developed my passion for drawing and painting. Being the spouse of an American diplomat has allowed me, my husband, and our two boys to live in and experience unfamiliar places, inspiring much of my artwork.

I have exhibited my art in Cairo, Tunisia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Today's event is significant because it allows me to present my art alongside fellow diplomatic family members, all of whom have unique experiences and inspirations.

Rasa

“Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining us today for this exhibition opening. It is a pleasure to share my artwork and journey, where art and diplomacy have been woven together in unique and meaningful ways. Over the years, I have lived in various countries, including the United States, Russia, Vietnam, Israel, and Germany. Each chapter offered fresh perspectives and new connections through visual arts.

This exhibition, "Art and Diplomacy: Shared Perspectives," highlights how art can connect people and express connections beyond words. A pivotal moment in my artistic practice was discovering Vietnamese lacquer painting in 2013. This traditional art form captivated me with its intricate layering process, symbolizing our connections across cultures. As a Foreign Service spouse, I have collaborated closely with diverse communities, creating spaces where art becomes a channel for dialogue and discovery.

This exhibition invites us to reflect on how art can serve diplomacy, foster mutual understanding, and build bridges where differences might otherwise prevail. Thank you for being here today. I hope these works inspire you to see the possibilities of art as a powerful tool for connection and diplomacy in our global community.”

Valentyna

As a portrait photographer and visual storyteller, I specialize in family photography in Arlington, Virginia. I am a proud U.S. Foreign Service community member and a U.S. civil servant. I studied photography at Northern Virginia Community College, where I received the 2015 Endowed Alexandria Photography Scholarship, and at Instituto Europe di Design in Rome.

Through my camera lens, I have learned to appreciate the beauty of the world and the simple joys of life even more. I find inspiration in the emerald ocean sparkling in the sun, dark clouds carrying rain over the fields, the morning smell of coffee, the aroma of freshly baked bread in the afternoon, a good book and a blanket on a winter day, the sound of a piano melody flowing from another room, and a friendly conversation with someone I know or have just met.

In my photography, I strive to capture the beauty of light, the purity of feelings, and a sense of time and place behind the image. Through my husband's work, I am fortunate to travel to different places around the world and meet incredible people.

Dear Members and Friends of AAFSW,

As we move forward into another wonderful year, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of you. Your support, dedication, and enthusiasm have made 2024 a remarkable year for our community.

To our new members and friends, welcome! We are thrilled to have you join us and look forward to sharing meaningful and joyful moments in 2025.

Life in the Foreign Service is a unique journey filled with challenges and incredible experiences. We are grateful for the resilience and strength of our members and their families, who navigate this extraordinary path with grace and determination. Your stories, contributions, and camaraderie enrich our community and inspire us all.

During this holiday season, we extend our heartfelt wishes to those in need around the world. May peace, comfort, and hope reach every corner of the globe.

Because of your support, AAFSW has been able to give back in meaningful ways. This year, we contributed to:

• The George Washington University Hospital Women's Board, aiding their patients and caregivers, leading to an upcoming partnership focused on nutrition and wellness.

• St. Jude's Hospital for children with cancer.

• The FSN Emergency Relief Fund, the Department’s official charitable mechanism for disaster assistance to Locally Employed Staff. Since 1994, this Fund has served as an immediate humanitarian resource for local employees of the Department of State and all other USG agencies under the Chief of Mission authority.

We are also grateful for the successful events, inter-agency meetings, and collaboration over the year, including those with the ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Italy, Ukraine, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Slovakia and Sri Lanka,  who spoke at our events and opened their homes to our community. Additionally, we would like to say a special thanks to Director General Bernicat and Ms. Ryan, Secretary Blinken's spouse, for their unwavering support.

Wishing you holidays filled with warmth, joy, and cherished memories. As we embark on a new year, let us embrace lasting friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. Cheers to all the wonderful experiences that lie ahead.

Warmest wishes,

Celine Ford

President

AAFSW

Members and supporters of the Foreign Service filled the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Room for the AAFSW volunteer awards program on Nov. 13. The annual ceremony once again highlighted the spirit of family member volunteerism that is so vibrant among our mission communities abroad. We were honored to recognize the volunteer work of seven outstanding individuals who exemplify that spirit.

The ceremony recognized winners of the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA), The Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award, the Lesley Dorman Award, and the Champions of Career Enhancement for EFMs (CCE-EFM) Award. We were privileged to have White House Cabinet Secretary Evan Ryan and Director General Marcia Bernicat speak and present the awards. 

SOSA is awarded to outstanding volunteer service performed overseas. The  SOSA winners for 2024 are Andrew Richley (EUR), Connie Pearson (NEA), Kristen Factor (SCA) and Garrett Fraino (WHA). 

Andrew Richley established the Urbana Basta Podgorica Food Forest and served as its manager. The garden’s monthly food harvest has resulted in more than 250 crates of food being donated to local food banks and home delivery services.

Following the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks, Connie Pearson worked to organize lunches and dinners for overworked embassy staff as well as IDF soldiers and displaced Gazan families.  Connie’s extraordinary service also included providing traumatized students with school supplies, and assisting a local orphanage to purchase and renovate new facilities.

Kristen Factor’s dedication to empowering young girls through art and education has left an indelible mark on the lives of those she’s touched. In Mumbai, Factor dedicated hundreds of hours, and her own funds, to provide art education to a group of 25 orphaned girls by building the program from scratch.

Garrett Fraino’s remarkable service to the impoverished favelas of Rio de Janeiro has made a significant impact in the lives of Brazilian youth. Through his work with the Mais Caminhos organization, he strengthened and restructured the organization while also providing extensive tutoring and coaching to the students. 

More details of the winners’ extraordinary volunteer efforts are highlighted on the AAFSW website here. 

SOSA honorable mentions for 2024 were awarded to Valerie Wendell and Joel McDonnell (AF), Thanh Kim (EAP), Sarah Berdugo (EUR), Jessica Baetjer (NEA), Stefanie Hendricks (SCA), and Susannah Holmes (WHA).

Following the presentation of the SOSA awards, DACOR president Angela Dickey presented the Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award. The Tragen Award is funded by an annual gift from Mr. Tragen and is administered by DACOR. It recognizes a member of the Foreign Service community who has effectively advocated for and enhanced the global rights and benefits of the Foreign Service family. This year’s recipient was Megan Kuhn. Megan’s distinctive contributions have markedly enriched the professional environment for eligible family members (EFMs) by launching the Parallel Professionals networking group in November 2020 and overseeing its transition to an official Employee Organization in 2023.

Past AAFSW president Patricia Linderman presented the Champions of Career Enhancement for EFMs Award. This award honors someone who has made exceptional efforts to promote employment and career development for Foreign Service family members. This year’s recipient was Joanna Parys. During her tenure as HR EPAP for Embassy Kinshasa, Joanna created a positive and welcoming atmosphere during a year of political turmoil, war, and disease outbreaks. Joanna’s creativity, advocacy, and dedication allowed the Mission to focus on strategic diplomatic efforts, knowing the Embassy community was cohesively supported by EFMs whose skills suited their roles.

Lara Center, another prior AAFSW president, awarded the Lesley Dorman Award to Jenny Kocher. The Lesley Dorman Award recognizes an AAFSW member who has performed outstanding service in all aspects of the organization. Since 2019, Jenny has demonstrated exceptional dedication and initiative in her efforts, making a significant impact on the lives of many EFMs in the Foreign Service community. Currently, Jenny continues to innovate and connect EFMs through her Virtual Connections monthly program, an online platform that is inclusive of all EFMs, regardless of their location.

These annual awards provide an opportunity for us to pause from the demanding work of diplomacy to recognize how EFM efforts contribute to our collective diplomatic efforts and remind us of the common humanity that binds embassy communities, our government, and our world.

You can see a gallery of photos from this event here.

Thanksgiving Dinner

AAFSW continued its cultural sponsorship program with the National Defense University this last month by hosting several  International Fellows and their families in their homes for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Fellows and their families from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Maldives were treated to delicious roast turkeys and traditional side dishes including stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and pies. One host will be a certified chef soon so their guests received an extra special treat!

The kids enjoyed doing Thanksgiving crafts, coloring turkey placemats and posing with silly photo booth props. 

Meanwhile, the adults enjoyed a warm welcome into their sponsor's families homes. They admired mementos from career achievements and overseas postings, played pool, and checked out one host's shiny red corvette!

The IFs had done homework on the history of Thanksgiving but still had questions about pumpkin pies, Pilgrims, and another Thanksgiving staple, American football!

National Defense University Hall of Fame

American sponsors were invited to attend a special ceremony last month celebrating NDU alumni who have achieved the highest ranks in their nation's armed forces and government. International honorees include Chiefs of Staff, Commanders, Ambassadors, and even a President and are displayed on campus in Marshall Hall.