Ambassador Stuart Holliday (Left) and Robert Allbritton, CEO of NOTUS (Right) giving a toast at the 4th Annual Press Pass Party on April 24, 2025 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Jess Latos.
Since the founding of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner nearly a century ago, the role of journalism in shaping America's public discourse and international understanding has only grown more vital. In recognition of the press corps and its enduring contributions to global dialogue, Meridian International Center, in partnership with NOTUS and The Allbritton Journalism Institute, hosted the 4th Annual White House Press Pass Party on April 24.
Held ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend, the evening brought together journalists, diplomats, government officials, and media leaders for informal exchange and cross-cultural connection. Conversations throughout the night reflected a shared appreciation for the integrity, risks, and responsibilities inherent to domestic and international reporting.
“Washington would not be the same without the incredible work of journalists who bring information to our attention—and the people who work alongside them to ensure that information reflects a diversity of perspectives,” said Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian. He added, “Meridian has been a bastion for bringing people together… It’s important in Washington to reflect that this place does stand for coming together, whether you’re on either side of the aisle, whether you’re a member of the press—it’s important that people get to know each other.”
Robert Allbritton, founder of NOTUS and the Allbritton Journalism Institute, echoed this sentiment, noting, “We were just commenting on how special Meridian is. Not just physically, but intellectually—the way it serves its community to bring and convene people together is unique, well-needed, and well-deserved in this world.”
Now in its fourth year, the Press Pass Party has become a hallmark gathering for Washington’s diplomatic and media communities. It underscores the importance of trusted relationships between journalists and decision-makers and highlights the enduring role of the press in fostering deeper mutual understanding across borders.
Left to right: H.E. Laurent Bili (Embassy of France), Jim Acosta (The Jim Acosta Show), and Liz Landers (Scripps News) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Left to right: Puru Trivedi (Meridian International Center), H.E. Jovita Neliupšienė (European Union), and Lisa Gable during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
H.E. Catalina Crespo-Sancho (Embassy of Costa Rica) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Left to right: Liz Huston (White House), Johanna Persing (White House), and Lisa Shoemaker (IDEMIA Public Security) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Guests listen to remarks during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Left to right: Kylie Atwood (CNN) and Ambassador Stuart Holliday (Meridian International Center) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Center: Geoff Bennett (PBS) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Left: Jasmine Wright (NOTUS) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Left to right: H.E. Pablo Zambrano (Embassy of Ecudaor), David Barrosse (Capstone), and H.E. Ana Irene Delgado (Embassy of Panama) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Left to right: Puru Trivedi (Meridian International Center), Ambassador Stuart Holliday (Meridian International Center), Robert Allbritton (NOTUS), and Brad Bosserman (NOTUS) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Jennifer Prescott (Amazon Web Services) and Maryam Mujica (General Catalyst) during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Left to right: H.E. Jovita Neliupšienė (European Union), Gordon Sondland (Council on Foreign Relations), and Laura Ballman during the fourth annual White House Press Pass Party at Meridian House in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2025. Image by Jess Latos.
Project summary
4th Annual White House Press Pass Party | April 2025
