Investing in the Future of American Diplomacy: The Inaugural Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders
The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders brought 19 exceptional college students to Washington, DC in June 2024, for a fully paid enrichment and training program, aimed at expanding awareness of and access to Foreign Service careers.
With a week of immersive programming in the nation’s capital from June 23 – 29, the program spotlighted the vital work of Foreign and Civil Service Officers, taught the critical soft skills necessary to succeed in a diplomatic career, and provided fellows with an understanding of the pathways to a career in the Foreign Service.
The Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders was made possible through the generous support of the Una Chapman Cox Foundation and Stephanie & Mark Robinson. A partnership between Meridian International Center, the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, and Community Colleges for International Development, the program combined diplomatic skills training with hands-on learning experiences, and networking opportunities to equip students with the skills and confidence to succeed in the Foreign Service.
Over a three-day diplomatic skills training course, which included tailored training sessions, workshops, and simulations, the fellows developed the crucial soft-skills centerfold to diplomatic careers. These included sessions on protocol, cross-cultural communication, and negotiation. The training brought in former U.S. ambassadors and diplomats, Ambassador Pamela Spratlen, Ambassador Glyn Davies, and Mr. T’Errance Favors to share their real-world experiences in diplomacy, bringing the skills the fellows were learning to life. Through an International Migration Diplomacy Simulation, developed by the National Museum of American Diplomacy, the fellows learned firsthand the intricate dynamics and multifaceted priorities of diplomatic negotiations, the importance of collaboration amidst diverse perspectives, and the critical role of cross-cultural understanding in addressing pressing international challenges.
At their full-day visit to the U.S. Department of State, the fellows heard from the nation’s leading Foreign Service voices, including Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States’ Ambassador to the United Nations and Ambassador Marcia Bernicat, Director General of the Foreign Service at the U.S. Department of State, on the importance of bringing diverse voices, lived experiences, and academic expertise, into the diplomatic arena.
At Howard University, the fellows learned of pathway programs into the Foreign Service, such as the Rangel and Pickering fellowships. At the U.S. Agency for International Development, Counselor Clinton White encouraged the fellows to apply for USAID’s pathway Payne Fellowship and continue to pursue their endeavors to join the Foreign Service.
Counselor White also delivered remarks at a networking reception held at Meridian House to provide the fellows with an opportunity to put their networking skills to test with current practitioners and leaders in the Washington international affairs ecosystem. The Meridian-Cox Foreign Fellows were also joined by scholars participating in the Institute for Responsible Citizenship’s summer program, which brings African American male college students to Washington, DC exposing them to careers in public service.
The fellows also participated in a leadership workshop and networking luncheon with 60 European students participating in the State Department's SUSI for Student Leaders from Europe exchange program that is also administered by Meridian. Through this experience, they engaged in cross-cultural dialogue, and gained a better understanding of life abroad and invaluable insights into diverse perspectives on global issues.
During a visit with the Peace Corps, the fellows heard from six panelists about the diverse experiences each had during their time as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Throughout the discussion, the fellows gained a deep appreciation for the Peace Corps' commitment to grassroots diplomacy and community-driven development.
Immersed in the heart of America’s diplomacy ecosystem, the fellows had an opportunity to visit the Embassy of Indonesia and met with Charge d'Affaires Ida Bagus Made Bimantara, deepening their understanding of U.S-Indonesia bilateral relations and learning the main functions and priorities of embassies.
Through “speed convening” small-group meetings, students met with representatives of the three other Foreign Service branches, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Foreign Commercial service, and the Foreign Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and three international affairs organizations, the Institute for International Education, the Partnership for Public Service, and The World Bank.
The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders centered around supporting the development of an American Foreign Service that is representative of the U.S. in all its diversity. Upholding Meridian’s mission statemen “Stronger at Home, When Globally Engaged,” the fellowship underscored the importance of having diplomats and leaders who can understand and represent the interests of all Americans, including diverse racial, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic attributes, as well as varied academic backgrounds and educational experiences. The 2024 cohort of 19 students represented 15 different states, and 19 unique higher-education institutions, including eight community colleges.
The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders not only supports the development of a more representative American Foreign Service, but also nurtures a cadre of informed and capable leaders who are prepared to tackle global challenges armed with 21st century skills and knowledge.
This program was made possible through the support of:
Stephanie & Mark Robinson
Project summary
| Investing in the Future of American Diplomacy: The Inaugural Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders | June 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Number of Visitors: | 19 |
| Impact Areas: | Foreign Policy, Youth Leadership Development |
| Program Areas: | Diplomatic Engagement |
