For Immediate Release

NOTICE TO THE PRESS
June 8, 2012
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson

On June 13 in the Marshall Center at the Department of State, Secretary Hillary Clinton will welcome more than sixty young African leaders to the Innovation Summit and Mentoring Partnership, a three-week professional development program by the U.S. government in collaboration with implementing partner, Meridian International Center. On June 14, Under Secretary of Political Affairs Wendy Sherman will open the program at the Palomar Hotel, the site of the two-day Summit. On the evening of June 14, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Tara Sonenshine will keynote a reception. Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson will provide the Summit’s closing remarks on June 15. During the three-week program, participants will travel to nine U.S. cities for mentoring partnerships at American businesses and reunite in Chicago June 29 for closing ceremonies.

This is the latest program of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative, the Obama Administration’s long-term commitment to engage Africa’s young leaders. The Launch, Opening, Reception, and Closing are open to credentialed members of the media.

Wednesday, June 13, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.:
Launch in Marshall Room, Secretary Hillary Clinton
Pre-set time for cameras is 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, June 14, 9:00a.m.-10:30a.m.:
Summit Opening at Palomar Hotel, Under Secretary Wendy Sherman
Pre-set time for cameras is 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, June 14, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.:
Reception at Meridian International Center, Under Secretary Tara Sonenshine
Pre-set time for cameras in 6:00 p.m.

Friday, June 15, 4:00pm-5:00 p.m.:
Closing at Palomar Hotel, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson
Pre-set time for cameras is 3:30 p.m.

Access for journalists at the Department of State is from the 21st Street lobby entrance. The Palomar Hotel is located at 2121 P Street, NW Washington DC. Meridian International Center is located at 1630 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC. Journalists should contact Priya Doshi, Meridian International Center, at 703-403-2435 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Hollyn Green, Bureau of African Affairs, at 202-663-0531 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or the Office of Press Relations at (202) 647-2492.