Building a More Inclusive Foreign Service

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Panel

Former ambassadors discussed why a foreign service reflective of the United States’ diversity can strengthen American diplomacy abroad.

UN Security Council held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York

Yomiuri Shimbun

Speakers

Barbara Bodine
Reuben Brigety
Capricia Penavic Marshall

Event Date

July 20, 2020

About this Event

Americans are currently examining the systemic racism and inequity pervasive in so many domestic institutions, but the United States’ diplomatic presence abroad has also lacked diversity and inclusion for years. Former national security advisor Susan Rice said that when diverse and representative of the demographics of our country, America’s foreign policy workforce is destined to produce more creative and alternative solutions and thus make better decisions. Yet, statistics from the State Department show that 68 percent of staff are white and 57 percent are men. Join the Chicago Council on Global Affairs for a discussion with former ambassadors on why a foreign service reflective of the United States’ diversity can strengthen American diplomacy abroad.

About the Speakers

Barbara Bodine

Director, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, Georgetown University

Barbara K. Bodine is a distinguished professor in the practice of diplomacy and the director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

Reuben Brigety

Vice Chancellor and President, Sewanee: The University of the South

Reuben E. Brigety II is the 17th vice chancellor and president at the University of the South.

Capricia Penavic Marshall

President, Global Engagement Strategies, LLC

Capricia Penavic Marshall is president of Global Engagement Strategies, LLC, which advises international, public, and private clients on issues relating to the nexus of business and cultural diplomacy.