Photos by Jane Pennewell The air in Rock Creek Park around the Hungarian Embassy was throbbing on Sunday, December 5 where eighty guests, who had purchased tickets to the fundraiser for the Crisis Fund of AAFSW, were dancing the night away. This fund supplies emergency resources to the spouse of any foreign affairs employee who finds herself destitute when her marriage is breaking up. The Embassy of Hungary generously provided a venue and a program featuring a film about their country, a dance by two women from the Hungarian community, Zsuzsanna Seres and Petra Zahoransky, who each nimbly danced with a wine bottle balanced atop her head. This was followed… Read More
Continue ReadingAn Active Year for the FBS Group
The AAFSW Foreign-Born Spouses (FBS) group was very active this year. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the group was able to adapt both in-person and virtual events to keep all members connected. In the last quarter of the year, the Foreign-Born Spouses Challenges and Success Stories series had two amazing EFMs, Alix Lee Bryant from American History Abroad and Eva Trembacz Souza, a writer. We have wonderful conversations and great participation with members from around the globe. We have hosted virtual coffees for new members via Zoom and finally, we were able to meet in person for a few events: happy hours, Hispanic Heritage Month, a visit to Alexandria, and soon… Read More
Continue ReadingMeet the 2021 Dorman Award Winner, Cathy Salvaterra
The 2021 winner of the Lesley Dorman Award for lifetime service to AAFSW is Cathy Salvaterra, unanimously chosen by the selection committee consisting of previous Dorman Award recipients. Among many other contributions to AAFSW and the Foreign Service community, Cathy Salvaterra served as Chair of the Secretary of State’s Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) for four years, establishing standard operating procedures for the administration of the SOSA program and spearheading an online history of the award written by Sarah Genton. In 2010, Cathy began volunteering for AAFSW’s annual Art and BookFair, working weekly in the BookRoom and during the Fair itself. Since 2011, she has worked in the Department… Read More
Continue ReadingLetter from the President December 2021
Happy Holidays! Last month, AAFSW hosted its annual awards ceremony honoring the recipients of the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA), the Tragen Award, the CCE-EFM Award, and the Dorman Award. Giving is Receiving. This sentiment has been shared over and over again by previous winners. Rarely do you meet someone who is volunteering because they want recognition or financial reward. This is why the SOSA award in particular is so special. It gives AAFSW the opportunity to honor overseas volunteers for their exemplary service. AAFSW was thrilled to have recorded remarks from Secretary Blinken who was unable to attend in person due to his travel schedule and excited… Read More
Continue ReadingMartine’s Must Reads for December 2021
1- All American Christmas by Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy Pull up a chair, pour some eggnog, and enjoy the Christmas spirit with friends… From the wind-swept, snowy ranges of Wyoming to Florida beaches glowing with Christmas lights, All American Christmas traces holiday traditions across the United States. In this beautiful personal keepsake, Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy present a dazzling collection of emotional stories, treasured family photographs, and homegrown Christmas recipes from some of Fox News’ most beloved personalities. Dana Perino takes readers out west to the cattle ranch where she celebrated Christmas with real life “Marlboro Men”—her uncles and grandfather. Maria Bartiromo reflects on growing up in Brooklyn… Read More
Continue ReadingEvent Recap: Tour of Mexican Cultural Institute
On Tuesday, November 10 AAFSW members and friends of AAFSW (including the Ambassador from Guinea, and diplomats and guests from 14 different countries) enjoyed a private tour of the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, DC. The Mexican Cultural Institute is housed in a historic building on 16th St, NW and served as the Mexican Embassy from 1921-1989. The mission of the cultural institute is to share Mexican heritage and culture with people in the United States and those visiting Washington, DC. Murals by Roberto Cuevo del Rio wrap the 4-story staircase and colorfully and thoughtfully share Mexico’s deep history and vibrant culture. A highlight of the tour was the large… Read More
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