Rising Leaders Council
"The RLC is a unique opportunity to be part of a distinguished, diverse, group of professionals who care deeply about public diplomacy and foreign affairs, engage with one another and the larger Meridian community, and create meaningful programming to spur discussion on pressing global and local challenges."
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Established in 2012, the Rising Leaders Council forms a distinguished network of professionals in their 30s and 40s from diverse sectors and disciplines who support Meridian’s mission of global leadership and non-partisan public diplomacy.
Through Meridian’s core programming capabilities, the Council brings together leaders from the foreign diplomatic community and the public and private sectors to foster a substantive exchange of ideas on foreign affairs, global leadership and diplomacy.
The Council’s salon-style, DC-based events focus on international issues relevant to Meridian and offer guests a neutral forum for exploring these issues, sharing perspectives, and strengthening relationships. Rising Leaders Council events are by invitation only and attendees are selected from Meridian's broad network of cross-sector leaders.
Our Leadership
Our Value Proposition
TIMELY HIGH-LEVEL INSIGHT through forward-looking programs on crucial international trade and economic issues. The Corporate Council has a robust schedule of interactive programs both virtually and on our historic campus.
VITAL RELATIONSHIPS with U.S and global policymakers including international trade experts and foreign diplomats. Council members also engage with distinguished alumni of our international exchange programs which include nearly 200 Heads of State, such as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indira Gandhi, among others.
NAVIGATE GLOBAL ISSUES in partnership with trade and commerce experts whose work spans all regions of the world on a broad range of topics, from cybersecurity and energy, to global entrepreneurship, purpose-first leadership and women’s economic empowerment.
Annual Benefits
Members benefit from opportunities to engage with the RLC’s over 100-member constituency of professionals, as well as Meridian’s broader network of business leaders, public sector officials, and the international diplomatic community.
- Invitation to purchase tickets to our annual Cultural Diplomacy Celebration and annual Meridian Ball.
- Two Foreign Policy and/or Cultural Diplomacy Programs
- Two Welcome to Washington Receptions for newly credentialed ambassadors
The Meridian Diplomacy Forum - The Meridian Global Leadership Summit
- The Meridian Holiday Party
- Two Rising Leaders Exclusive Programs
How to Apply
A one-page letter showing demonstrated interest and experience in foreign policy or international relations, a nomination by a member of the Meridian community, and a resume are required to join this level.
Please contact Halle Murdock, Senior Associate, Institutional Advancement, at hmurdock@meridian.org.
Rising Leaders Council Members
Kate Aitken, AI/ML Strategy Lead, Google
Clara Brillembourg, Partner, Co-Chair, Latin America Practice, Foley Hoag, LLP
Max Bouchet, Deputy Director, Truman Center
Ben Chang, Vice President for Communications and Spokesperson, Columbia University
Lauren Culberston Grieco, President, The Ledyard Group
Anastasia Dellaccio, Senior Vice President | External Engagement, Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
Jason Jarrell, Managing Director, TIAA
Philip Kao, AAAS Science and Technology Policy FellowAAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow, U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Suzanne Kianpour, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Middle East Security Program, Center for a New Security, Founder & CEO, Helmet to Heels
Alexander Lucaci, Associate Director, Client Intelligence Group, UBS
Jamie Mannina, Senior Advisor, United States Department of Defense
Rumbidzai Maweni, Foley Hoag LLP
Kezia McKeague, Regional Director, McLarty Associates
Jessica Miller, Vice President, External Relations, LVMH Inc.
Mari Manoogian, Battleground Political and Coalitions Director - Midwest
Shellie Purvis, Managing Director, Cogent Strategies
Christina Sevilla, Deputy Assistant USTR for Small Business
Nii Simmonds, Advisor
Tahera Zamanzada, Vice President, Digital Transformation, ICF
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Meridian is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.