Celebrating Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange: Meridian Honors Embassy Social Secretaries & Cultural Attachés

Whether they are organizing cultural events and exchange programs, engaging local media and civil society on behalf of their countries or providing vital assistance and support during crises, embassy social secretaries and cultural attachés are constantly at the forefront of diplomacy. On August 2, 2023, Meridian hosted its annual Social Secretaries and Cultural Attachés Reception in recognition of the integral role these diplomatic professionals play in fostering international understanding and promoting diplomacy for their countries.

Meridian’s Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Stuart Holliday, welcomed social secretaries and cultural attachés from over 30 foreign embassies, U.S. government leaders and White House Military Social Aides to Meridian’s historic campus. In his remarks, Ambassador Holliday recognized Meridian’s decades-long collaborative relationship with embassy social secretaries and cultural attachés and their contributions to the organization’s mission. Guests then heard from the evening’s keynote speaker, White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo, who offered thoughtful remarks on the critical work that social secretaries do to create memorable events for all audiences. Mr. Elizondo also took the opportunity to personally recognize members of his team for working tirelessly to produce events that have an impact on the world stage.

This year’s reception was generously catered by Spilled Milk Catering, who provided a delicious spread of hors d'oeuvres and desserts and superb service throughout the evening.