Patricia Linderman Receives the 2015 Lesley Dorman Award

If you’ve been a member of AAFSW for any time at all, it is likely that you have come across Patricia Linderman, whether you’ve seen her name or met her in person. Patricia has played a huge role in many aspects of AAFSW over the years and it is our privilege to announce that she has won this year’s Lesley Dorman Award. In 1993 AAFSW decided to honor Lesley Dorman for her accomplishments and untiring efforts on behalf of the Foreign Service community by creating the Lesley Dorman Award. The award recognizes an AAFSW member who has performed outstanding service in all aspects of the organization. Over the years, in… Read More

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AAFSW Interviews 2015 CCE-EFM Winner Stephanie C. Arnold

Stephanie Arnold: “A Firm Believer in the Value of EFM Employment”   Stephanie Arnold, former Human Resources Officer (HRO) and Financial Management Officer in Dublin, will receive AAFSW’s 2015 Champions of Career Enhancement for EFMs (CCE-EFM) Award on November 10. The award includes a cash stipend of $750. We interviewed Ms. Arnold by e-mail about her challenges and achievements. AAFSW: What were some of the obstacles you faced in your efforts to promote EFM employment in Dublin? Arnold: When I arrived, there were only a handful of EFM positions within the mission and no family members working on the local economy. Hiring managers expressed a preference for local nationals over… Read More

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2015 Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award Recipient: Sheila Switzer

While challenging, returning to the U.S. for an assignment for those born and raised here is an opportunity to spend more time with friends and family, to familiarize children with their home culture, and become reacquainted with the latest trends and styles.  For foreign born spouses, however, a domestic tour is not “coming home” since many of them have never lived in the U.S. before, may have limited knowledge of American cultural norms, and may experience difficulty using the English language. They arrive in a location with no CLO or GSO and no built-in network.  In short, coming to Washington is truly the toughest assignment of all. Fortunately, they have Sheila… Read More

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