Meridian Celebrates the Impactful Contributions of Embassy Social Secretaries & Cultural Attachés at Annual Reception

Social secretaries and cultural attachés are instrumental figures in international diplomacy, providing opportunities for the American public to engage with countries and cultures around the world through special events, exchange programs, and other experiences that strengthen global diplomatic ties. On July 18, 2024, Meridian hosted its annual Social Secretaries and Cultural Attachés Reception to honor the essential contributions of these diplomatic professionals and to celebrate the decades-long partnership between Meridian and the diplomatic corps in Washington.

Meridian’s Executive Vice President, Natalie Jones, welcomed guests to the historic White-Meyer House, the childhood home of one of D.C.’s most celebrated hostesses, Katharine Graham. In addition to social secretaries and cultural attachés from 30 foreign embassies, Jones recognized U.S. government officials and White House Military Social Aides, Calligraphers, and Executive Kitchen staff in attendance. She expressed gratitude for Meridian’s collaborative relationship with these diplomatic professionals, exemplifying the ways their work contributes to the organization’s mission.

The evening’s guest of honor, Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo, praised the inspiring work of social secretaries, cultural attachés and protocol professionals, and highlighted the vital behind-the-scenes contributions of their families and supporters. Building on this theme of support, he celebrated members of the White House team for their impactful contributions, notably the White House Executive Kitchen staff. Elizondo reminded the audience of the impact of their work in hospitality, quoting Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

The reception’s excellent service was provided by Table Manners and generously catered by Relish Catering, who created a customized menu inspired by Mother Earth, an art exhibition highlighting the unique perspective of women artists on the climate crisis that has been on view at Meridian's Cafritz Galleries throughout the summer.

Project summary

Meridian Celebrates the Impactful Contributions of Embassy Social Secretaries & Cultural Attachés at Annual Reception | July 2024
Number of Attendees:	125
Regions:	Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Near East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, Western Hemisphere
Impact Areas:	Cultural Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy