Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide

aafsw events

by

Event Recap: Russia’s War, Not Putin’s War Poland’s Perspectives on Security in Europe

by Celine Castel, AAFSW President

His Excellency Marek Magierowski, the Polish Ambassador to the United States, shared in-depth insights into the United States special relationship with Poland, in response to the current conflict in Ukraine and the forced migration affecting the people of Poland.

The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW) successfully launched the Ambassador Speaker Series program, in-person after a two year online-only event, due to the pandemic. The event took place on October 3, 2022, in the Burns Auditorium at the State Department in Washington, D.C.

AAFSW was honored to host His Excellency Marek Magierowski, the Polish Ambassador to the United States. His Excellency enlightened multiple guests and AAFSW’s members with a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the current and historic events occurring in Ukraine and Poland’s Perspectives on Security in Europe.


In 2019, Poland celebrated the 100th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations with the United States. America played a key role in Poland regaining independence following World War I, and in 1919 the United States became the first major power to recognize Polish statehood. Following the democratic reforms in Poland begun in 1989, close, friendly relations have linked Poland and the United States. Bilateral political cooperation is complementary: political dialog, security, and defense as well as promotion of democratic reforms around the world. The United States strongly supported Poland’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1999.

Born in 1971, Marek Magierowski graduated from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan with a degree in Hispanic Studies. He worked as a reporter, editor, and columnist for over 20 years, including as the head of foreign affairs at Newsweek Polska” weekly, and the deputy editor-in-chief of “Rzeczpospolita. In October 2015, he left journalism to work for the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland as an expert on public diplomacy and was subsequently appointed Head of the Press Office of the Chancellery of the President. From June 2017 to May 2018, he served as Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Marek Magierowski served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to the state of Israel from June 25, 2018, to November of 2021.

This forum featured His Excellency’s in-depth insights into the U.S. and Polish special relationship in response to the current conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized the ripple effect of forced migration from Ukraine affecting the people of Poland. For Magierowski, defeating the Russian army is the only way out because it is not Putin’s war but Russia’s war. He believes that Ukraine can defeat the Russian army and the current events are proving him right. However, this armed conflict is still ongoing and at times it may seem that there are no rules. Its escalation has caused civilian casualties and the destruction of civilians’ infrastructures forcing over one million Ukrainian people, about 80 percent women and children, to flee their country to seek protection, safety, and assistance in Poland. The Ambassador acknowledged with immense pride how the people of Poland opened their country and their hearts to the Ukrainian refugees in the face of a ruthless and cruel enemy. There are no rules in this war, and the people of Poland are making a difference with their limitless support to not only refugees but to over 40,000 service members on NATO bases, as well.

His Excellency highlighted so many aspects of Ukraine’s conflict and “Poland’s Perspectives on Security in Europe,” reiterating the support of Russia to Putin, and that the Russian nuclear threat was genuine. His Excellency’s thorough and heartfelt presentation charmed and captivated AAFSW’s distinguished guests and members. The Q&A session was lively and spirited.

AASFW and Sheila Switzer, International Program Chair, are looking forward to inviting you to “A Journey to Bali Through Art and Dance”, an enchanting program in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy on Monday, October 24, at the Dean Acheson Auditorium, 2201 E St NW, Washington, DC, at 11:00 a.m.


A Journey to Bali Through Art and Dance – Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (aafsw.org)

by

Wine and Chocolate Pairings

 
Saturday, April 2, 2022 — University Club, Washington DC
 
On Saturday, April 2, 2022, at a sold-out event at the University Club, AAFSW Program Chair Sheila Switzer and AAFSW Fun For Funds Fundraising Events Chair Joanna Athanasopoulos Owen, PhD, welcomed wine expert Bill Stefan for a fabulous presentation of pairing fine wine with delicate chocolates.
 
Mr. Stefan offered wines from Italy, South Africa, Australia, North America, Japan, Greece, and Portugal and paired them with chocolates made of dark chocolate, key lime, raspberry ganache, dark cherry, caramel, coconut, almond, and more. Through this amazing trip of aromas and tastes, Mr. Stefan taught us that after weight and body, the aromas are the most important component for matching food and wine, followed by the structure or taste which also have an impact.
 
Although Mr. Stefan recommended that we enjoy pairing wines and food the way we each enjoy and try our own pairings, he demonstrated how food and wine pairings are both art and science, as they are truly all about relationships!
 
Joanna Athanasopoulos Owen, PhD
AAFSW Public Relations and Publicity Chair
AAFSW Fun For Funds Fundraising Events Chair

by

Celebrating International Women’s Day

On March 8, AAFSW hosted a vibrant panel of women in honor of International Women’s Day.  This year, the panelists included H.E. Ivonne A-Baki, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to the United States, Madam Angelique Gakoko Pitteloud, and Marion Kavallieros.  Each brought their own unique approach to the theme “Global History and Challenges of Women World Leaders”.  Below are some highlights from the panel discussions. 

Ambassador A-Baki shared that she arrived in politics by mistake.  Born to Lebanese parents in Ecuador, she spent her teenage years living in Lebanon.  She said in the 1970’s women in the middle east had no voice so she found other ways to express herself, mainly through painting.  Through her paintings she showed women had strength through pain and perseverance.  While an artist in residence at Harvard, she became in involved in conflict resolution and peace negotiations.  She was the only women at the table during the peace negotiations between Ecuador and Peru in 1995 which ended the last war in the Western Hemisphere.  Through her successful work during those negotiations, she was selected to be Ambassador to the United States and when she arrived in Washington, DC in 1998, she was one of four women Ambassadors.  Fast forward to the year 2020 when she is once again Ambassador to the United States, she is one of 42 women Ambassadors.   Ambassador A-Baki stressed that women provide unconditional love, we are multifaced and we are born empowered – we give birth and create future generations.  She emphasized the need to put light on others and through leadership, make other leaders in the next generation.   

Madame Angelique Gakoko Pitteloud, is a global woman.  She was born in Rwanda, fled to Switzerland in the mid 1990’s and where she lived for a number of years.  She is married to Jacques Pitteloud, the Swiss Ambassador to the United States. Madame Pitteloud is committed to sharing humanities history and she highlights success stories on equality, human rights and women’s’ rights. Through her work, there is a focus on Africa.  Madame Pitteloud referenced the film L’Afrique des femmes (Women’s Africa) which she co-produced – the film highlights women off the beaten track; women making change in politics, economics and education.  She stated the continent can and will achieve equality and opportunities for ALL.  She continued that dreams keep us going and can shape reality of the future.    

Marion Kavallieros, is a Greek academic who grew up in Athens, Greece. During the panel discussion she spoke about Spartan women.  In a time when men and women were not viewed equally, Sparta defied other city-states.  Sparta with a population of about 10,000 citizens was different – women were equal to men and enjoyed liberties other women in Greece did not.  They trained for athletic competition, were encouraged to speak in public and were consulted by men.  Spartan women could own property and land and receive inheritance.   Spartan women were honored.    Ms. Kavallieros asked – what happened?  How can we make societies more inclusive?  How can women trust their own voices?  Through education and respect, women can once again rise to the level of reverence that was once common in Sparta.  

As Ambassador A-Baki declared “Everyday should be women’s day”

Happy International Women’s Day!

by

Carnival and Mardi Gras Festivities Zoom Webinar on Feb. 16

CARNIVAL and MARDI GRAS FESTIVITIES AROUND THE WORLD

AAFSW Virtual Webinar via Zoom

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

The 2021 celebrations for Carnival and Mardi Gras are fast approaching, and we are all longing to get outside and enjoy these spectacular festivities full of music and dance!

This year, the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW) with the participation of the Embassies of Brazil and Trinidad Tobago as well as Venice and  New Orleans is happy to invite Welcome to Washington and all our international friends to the AAFSW program entitled: “Carnival and Mardi Gras Festivities Around the World.” The program will highlight the season’s musical and dancing traditions of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Venice, Italy, and New Orleans, Louisiana, in this amazing virtual presentation webinar for a fun journey around the world showcasing the best traditions of Carnival and Mardi Gras.

[Read more…] about Carnival and Mardi Gras Festivities Zoom Webinar on Feb. 16

by

From Underemployed EFM to Thriving Online Entrepreneur

Hi, I’m Dom and I’m a Success and Life Design Coach for creative high achievers and entrepreneurs living abroad. I started my coaching business in December 2018 with no MBA, no business experience (well, except for my failed startup in 2015), and no idea of how to sell anything. All I knew was that I was passionate about helping people discover their potential. 

My decision to become a fulltime entrepreneur did not happen overnight, but through a decade of experimenting, questioning, and working through my own self-doubts, fears, and limiting beliefs around money, success, and personal achievement. 

There were many moments in my Foreign Service life where I felt down on myself, not being able to find work or feeling confused about my next steps. I left the United States in my early twenties to serve in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica. After that experience, I knew I wanted to make a big impact in the international development space. At the same time, I was dating my partner (now wife), and had big choices to make — go to Washington D.C. to pursue my career or join her at her first post in Caracas, Venezuela. 

I joined her and I also started a long struggle with my professional identity. I felt like I had to keep rebuilding every time we moved. I took on jobs within the State Department that I’m grateful for, moving up the Consular path from Consular Assistant (Caracas), to Associate (Lima), and finally getting certified as a Consular Adjudicator and transitioning to FSO work in Lima. These were fantastic experiences and I thought I was well on my way to pursue a full-time career as a diplomat, but after getting really quiet and still with myself, I knew I was being called to do something different. 

When we started a family and my wife took a one-year tour in Pakistan, I explored entrepreneurship while raising our twin daughters. That year was the most difficult year of my adult life. I developed unhealthy habits and a poor mindset. My emotional health was in shambles and I didn’t know how to ask for help, until one night I just decided that everything had to change. 

So, what changed for me? I started waking up an hour earlier each day and started reading books on personal growth. 

When you have achieved a certain level of success in your life, there comes a point where you plateau or get stuck. If you have ever faced this point, you must will yourself into action and start a process of self-reflection and new learning. If not, you will be living your life on repeat with no real movement or progress. 

If you are at that crossroads where you want more for yourself, but you don’t know where to start, try answering the following questions: 

  1. What does success mean to me now? 
  2. What matters to me, today? 
  3. What could I do to feel fulfilled in my professional/career life? What would it look like? 

These questions may be easy to answer or they may be terribly difficult. Whatever words come out for you, just write them down. This is for you and only you. 

In 2020, I achieved a lifelong goal. I became a published author. I also, unexpectedly, became a public speaker for the U.S. Embassy in Seoul during the pandemic. And, with courage and determination, I launched my online business serving high achieving international professionals and spouses looking to take their lives to the next level. These outcomes became a reality because I was intentionally working on something that I loved and enjoyed – coaching and personal development. 

The difference between my old self and new self is that I made a decision to pursue a new path – entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur, all your success depends on how much you learn, how much you grow, and how much you work – and you get to decide how big you want to grow. 

When you practice personal growth and you do the work, learn the skills, implement, improve, and level up, you will eventually meet your goals. But it does take resilience, patience, perseverance, and belief in yourself. 

If you are ready to try entrepreneurship, I suggest taking the following steps: 

  • Invest your time in activities that make you feel positive (think positive media, positive relationships, exercise, and activities that bring your joy). 
  • Invest in your personal development. Buy books and online courses that grow you. 
  • Commit to 30 minutes a day of personal growth. 
  • Start a journaling practice and write down what you are learning. 
  • Write down your goals and ideas and review them each day. 
  • Build small habits that help you make progress towards your goals. 
  • Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. 
  • Keep moving forward each day. 

As you practice this, eventually business ideas will come to you. You will start seeing more opportunities, more possibilities, and a future that excites you. 

Remember, entrepreneurship is a process. You become an entrepreneur by first shifting your mindset and second taking bold action on your ideas and being okay with the outcome. What I love about exploring your new ideas is that your learning is limitless. That means, you can choose any path you want, any path that lights you up, and get creative with your life and work. 

I believe that we all have innate talents. Discover yours. Build it. And share it with the world. I can’t wait to hear your success story. 

Dominique Narciso is the founder of The Narciso Kim Group, a success and leadership training company for international organizations and professionals. She is also the host of The Positive Success Show, and author of Live Your New Story: Discover Your Best Self and Live Your Best Life (available on Amazon). She travels the world with her wife and three daughters. You can connect with her on Instagram @domnarciso or subscribe for her weekly inspirations on personal growth and success at www.domnarciso.com. 

by

Virtual Program on Jan. 26

An AAFSW Virtual Presentation 

By Her Excellency  Roya Rahmani 

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan 

Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

 

The AAFSW will start the New Year with our annual Ambassador Speaker Series in collaboration with DACOR-Bacon House. We are delighted to invite you to a very informative and interesting virtual presentation by Her Excellency Roya Rahmani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. 

The event will take place on Tuesday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m. 

If you would like to join this presentation, please register at office@aafsw.org. We will need your email address so we can send you the GoTo Webinar link.

 I take this opportunity to let you know how much I appreciate your friendship and support for our AAFSW programs. Together let’s give thanks to God for all we have been granted–life, health, family, and friends.

I send you my best wishes that the New Year 2021 will bring us peace, health, plenty of happiness and the ability to get together again in the very near future.

Sheila Switzer

AAFSW Program Chair

Speaker bio:

Roya Rahmani is Afghanistan’s first female ambassador to the United States of America. She is also non-resident Ambassador to Argentina, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. She previously served as Afghanistan’s first female ambassador to Indonesia and was the country’s first accredited ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She was awarded the Best Human Rights Activist Award by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission in 2010 and was named the People’s Ambassador in 2017 by the Indonesia Tatler. In 2019, she was featured on TIME Magazine’s “100 Next List” as a “fierce advocate of peace on Afghan terms.” She has a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from McGill University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia

University. She is the mother of a young daughter, and often speaks passionately about the importance of bringing women and youth into the democratic process.