With the continued unveiling of deep-rooted inequities in our society, there has been a universal call for greater equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace – and the American diplomatic corps is no exception.
The United States is at an inflection point on the global stage and diplomacy has never been more important than now to revitalize our standing in the world. But to do this, the American diplomatic community must reflect the diversity of our country - our backgrounds, our beliefs and our values. It not only matters from a representation lens. Diversity of perspectives created through individuals from varied backgrounds and lived experiences leads to more informed policies.
In celebration of Black History Month, Meridian International Center is spotlighting Black diplomatic leadership and amplifying the next generation of Black voices representing the U.S. on the international stage. For a look into the important work and contributions of former Black diplomats from the 1800s to the 21st century, check out our 2021 Black History Month blog series and our spotlights from 2022.
There are numerous rising leaders and this list only touches on a micro-percentage of the diplomatic and international development fields. The focus for 2023 was to highlight those outside of Washington, serving in-country and on the front lines of international relations– field positions that often go unsung and work often unseen directly by the U.S. global affairs community at home.
Selection is based on excellence and leadership, current work in diplomacy or global affairs, and contributions to expertise issues through thought leadership.
Through the Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement and our DiplomacyRISE initiative, we look forward to continuing our work with the current diplomatic community and creating a talent ecosystem for the next generation of global affairs leaders. With more than 60 years of close relationships with the diplomatic corps, Meridian is uniquely positioned to convene dialogues among leaders across borders, parties, and industries to achieve consensus and sustainable, mutually-beneficial solutions.
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