News

Dear AAFSW members, friends, and community,

As summer transitions into fall, we are pleased to share updates on several initiatives that reflect our ongoing commitment to service, recognition, and advocacy within the Foreign Service community.

This season marks an important moment for AAFSW. The upcoming Arts and BookFair, one of our most valued fundraising events, offers a meaningful opportunity to showcase the unique treasures generously donated by our community. It remains a cherished tradition and a vital source of support for our programming.

We are pleased to announce the selection of the 2025 recipients of the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA). This year’s honorees have demonstrated exceptional contributions in education, health, and community resilience. The selection committee was deeply impressed by the depth of service and innovation among the nominees. Preparations are underway for a recognition event that will honor their achievements with dignity and visibility.

We also recently shared information about a significant piece of legislation currently under consideration in Congress: the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1144). This bill promotes justice and protection for survivors of trafficking and exploitation, and supports U.S. embassies, consulates, and affiliated organizations through policy tools, printed materials, and survivor-centered guidance.

In addition, we are honored to announce that the Arts Club of Washington has selected our collective initiative, AAFSW’s Arts and Diplomacy Series – Celebrating Creativity Across Cultures, for an exhibition scheduled for November 2026. This exhibition will spotlight the artistic contributions of Foreign Service employees, spouses, and partners, and will celebrate their role in fostering global dialogue and understanding through the transformative power of art.

Finally, our Board communications and strategic alignment efforts continue to prioritize clarity, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the evolving priorities of our members and partners.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we are building a lasting legacy of service and impact.

Warm regards,

Celine

--

Celine Ford, President

AAFSW is thrilled to share this year's Secretary of State Awards for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad winners and honorable mentions. Read on to learn about these amazing recipients!

AF 

Julie Fischer (Kinshasa, DRC) and Samantha Bunch (Nairobi, Kenya)  

During the January 2025 Ordered Departure from U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Eligible Family Member Julie Fischer emerged as an informal leader of more than 200 evacuees, drawing on prior evacuation experience to keep the group calm and organized while coordinating with AAFSW’s Evacuee Support Network to secure clothing, supplies, and a morale boost upon arrival in the United States.

In Kinshasa, she volunteered at the Telema Mental Health Center, teaching art therapy to at-risk women and organizing an Embassy garden project. She also served on the Board of The American School of Kinshasa, where she led governance reforms and a constitutional revision. She supported English learners at the Congo American Language Institute; mobilized alumni service projects as University of Notre Dame’s “ambassador” to the DRC; and contributed to community life as a Marine Ball Committee member and social sponsor. As a volunteer with African Bird Club, she proofread more than 1,000 DRC bird species entries on the Birds of Africa app. She left a lasting legacy of service to both mission and host country communities. Photo shows Julie Fischer.

Samantha Bunch, an Eligible Family Member at U.S. Embassy Nairobi, has shown remarkable dedication to both the mission community and Kenya through innovative service and crisis leadership. As Vice Chair of the American Employee Association and Chair of the Marine Ball Committee, she strengthened morale and community life, while her Eco-Brick Initiative diverted over two tons of plastic waste into low-cost housing materials, creating a model for sustainable development. She mobilized critical support for Ginko Africa, empowering teenage mothers to continue their education, and extended vital assistance to Real Hope Community Orphanage. During the April 2023 evacuation of Embassy Khartoum families, she coordinated donations, offered comfort, and provided hands-on support to arriving evacuees. Samantha’s volunteerism—marked by creativity, compassion, and impact—has left a lasting imprint on both Embassy Nairobi and the wider host community. Photo shows Samantha Bunch.

AF Honorable Mention:  Margie Tidwell (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) 

EUR  

Jennifer Sturgeon (The Hague, Netherlands) 

 Jennifer Sturgeon exemplifies the highest ideals of volunteerism through her leadership, creativity, and compassion across multiple countries. In Slovakia, she led the nation’s largest charity initiative, raising $102,000 for nonprofits serving refugees, children, and women, and advocated for orphanages in Poland and Slovakia. Since moving to The Hague in 2023, she has strengthened community life through the American Women’s Club and U.S. Embassy initiatives, organizing cultural exchanges, awareness events, and fundraising drives that have benefited soup kitchens, at-risk children, trafficking survivors, and Ukrainian families. A dedicated supporter of the Royal Dutch Sea Rescue Institution, she has raised funds, organized community outreach, and coordinated volunteer efforts to sustain their lifesaving mission. She advances remembrance through the Stolpersteine Project, supports faith and fellowship through young adult ministry and global Bible study programs, and unites allied families as President of the 

Defense Attaché Spouses Association. Jennifer’s enduring impact reflects American generosity, resilience, and service, leaving lasting contributions to both host and mission communities. 

EUR Honorable Mention:  Patty Liddle (Istanbul, Turkey) 

SCA   

Shirley Helm (Dushanbe, Tajikistan) 

In Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Foreign Service Office Management Specialist Shirley Helm dedicated over 4,000 volunteer hours to advancing opportunities for the country’s deaf community through American Sign Language (ASL) education and advocacy. What began as a modest class quickly grew as she developed her own curriculum, secured grants to bring in a deaf American instructor via Zoom, and launched independent programs that transformed beginners into fluent signers. 

Her mentorship opened doors never before imagined: two of her students became the first Deaf Tajiks accepted into the FLEX exchange program, and she partnered with Gallaudet University’s summer camp director to ensure two deaf students could attend—personally escorting them on their first journey to the United States. 

Beyond the classroom, Shirley organized Deaf Awareness Week at the embassy, welcomed deaf students into national celebrations, and traveled to remote regions to train teachers and inspire young learners. Through vision, perseverance, and thousands of hours of service, she reshaped the landscape of disability rights in Tajikistan—leaving a legacy of inclusion and opportunity that will endure long after her departure. 

SCA Honorable Mention:  Katryn DeMeritt Stewart (Ashgabat, Turkmenistan) 

WHA     

David Bargueño (Brasilia, Brazil) and Wiley Skaret (Bogota, Colombia) 

Foreign Service Officer David Bargueño led an innovative partnership with the largest cooperative of recyclable trash pickers (“catadores”) in Latin America, which represents more than 2,500 low-income families in Brasília, Brazil. He mobilized a yearlong fundraising and volunteer campaign, which created a community of service – across the Embassy, American School, and trash pickers – and culminated with an upgrade of local recycling facilities on international volunteer day.  In addition to painting several multipurpose rooms, David and his team procured key supplies that the catadores requested for their professional education, such as sewing machines, hairdresser seats, laptops, bookshelves, books, and furniture. The director of the cooperative noted that the United States was the first and only embassy to ever roll up its sleeves and volunteer at the recycling center, located just 15-minutes from downtown, yet widely unknown to the diplomatic community.  

At the end of the international volunteer day, one of the catadores gave David a surprise bear hug and news: their multipurpose room would be renamed “Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall” to honor the U.S. Embassy’s support.  The campaign raised broader public awareness of how a historically informal workforce provides ecological and sanitary services that improve the quality of urban life, ease burdens on landfills, and create employment for almost one million people across the country.  David and his team in the stand-alone section focused on Environment, Science, Technology, and Health (ESTH) represented core U.S. values and strengthened people-to-people ties during the 2024 bicentennial celebration of U.S.-Brazil diplomatic relations.       

While in Bogotá, Colombia, EFM Wiley Skaret founded James 1, a U.S. 501(c)(3) project dedicated to providing university scholarships for the children of Colombian National Police (CNP) officers killed in the line of duty.  To advance this mission, Wiley built broad coalitions of support — engaging police generals, supreme court justices, ambassadors, diplomats, corporate leaders, and victims’ families — to shine a light on the needs of the children of fallen heroes. 

An internationally performing pianist, Wiley harnessed music as a vehicle for awareness and remembrance.  He launched a nationwide campaign by recording music videos across Colombia with a piano transformed into a traveling memorial, painted by a CNP graffiti artist. That piano accompanied Wiley on recording tours across the country before being permanently installed at the CNP Museum in Bogotá.  Through benefit concerts on two continents, national media appearances, and the creation of an international scholarship board, Wiley elevated the cause from a local initiative to a global effort. 

Wiley credits his team of advisors from U.S. Embassy Bogotá for helping shape the vision for James 1 and the many diplomats who not only believed in his mission, but joined it.  Their partnership was instrumental in transforming an idea into a sustainable program with lasting impact. 

To date, James 1 has raised more than $100,000 and provided full or partial university scholarships to nine children of fallen officers, four of whom have now graduated.  The foundation continues its work today, with new applications under review. Photo shows Wiley Skaret.

WHA Honorable Mention:  Francisco Ordaz (Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago) 

This year, two bureau award committees did not award a SOSA but would like to recognize the following honorable mentions: 

NEA Honorable Mention:  Kaleigh Fountain (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)) 

EAP Honorable Mention:  Amy Kennedy (Beijing, China), Thomas Lee (Rangoon, Burma), Carlo Cressotti (Suva, Fiji) 

Dear AAFSW Members and Community,

I am pleased to bring to your attention an important piece of legislation currently before Congress: the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1144). This bipartisan bill advances justice, dignity, and protection for survivors of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation through survivor-informed policy, prevention strategies, and international cooperation.

With its international scope and relevance to Foreign Service personnel, H.R. 1144 authorizes $111 million annually (2026–2030) for foreign assistance programs targeting trafficking abroad, and $23 million annually to support the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking and its interagency task force. These funds fall under Budget Function 150 (International Affairs) and are subject to congressional approval through the annual appropriations process. If enacted, they would enhance diplomatic engagement, expand field-level resources, and reinforce trauma-informed programming across missions.

The bill also broadens trafficking definitions, including organ harvesting, and encourages integration of anti-trafficking strategies into development efforts. It directly supports U.S. embassies, consulates, and affiliated organizations by providing policy tools, printed TIP materials, and survivor-centered guidance.

AAFSW has consistently supported initiatives that promote dignity, protection, and justice. From supporting shelters for survivors of human trafficking and abused children to hosting events that addressed violence against women in Iran, our programming reflects a commitment to vulnerable populations and the challenges they face. We have also provided resources and recognition to Foreign Service families navigating hardship during separation and divorce.

This message is intended to raise awareness of H.R. 1144 and its relevance to our community. It does not constitute a formal endorsement by AAFSW. We remain committed to transparency, neutrality, and principled engagement on issues that intersect with our mission.

Thank you for your continued support.

Celine Ford, AAFSW President

H.R.1144 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

AAFSW is pleased to share a model message you can send to your representatives to voice support for H.R. 1144.

Subject: Support for H.R. 1144 and H.R. 4405 — Upholding Survivor Justice and Transparency

Dear [Representative's Name],

As a member of the American Foreign Service community, I urge you to support two vital pieces of legislation:

H.R. 1144 – The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 This bill strengthens our national and international efforts to combat human trafficking through survivor-informed policy and bipartisan collaboration.

These bills reflect our shared values of dignity, accountability, and protection for the vulnerable. I respectfully ask you to support both measures and stand with survivors.

Introducing: AAFSW Board Members & Members Spotlight

I am pleased to launch a new bimonthly series - AAFSW Board Members and Members Spotlight - celebrating the individuals who make our organization so dynamic, inclusive, and impactful.

Across the Foreign Affairs landscape, AAFSW members contribute in countless ways: offering support, sharing expertise, and building bridges that strengthen our global network. This series will keep their contributions visible and valued.

We begin with board member Sheila Switzer, 2009 AAFSW's Lesley Dorman awardee, whose enduring commitment has brought compassion and service to Foreign Service families worldwide. 

We are proud to support initiatives and efforts to provide meaningful resources and connections for the Foreign Affairs community .

Thank you for your continued support and for all that you do to uplift those we serve.

Celine Ford 

President, AAFSW

Meet Sheila Switzer

I am deeply honored to have received the following awards throughout my career:

Service and leadership have been the heartbeat of my life. I grew up in Mexico in a family deeply committed to philanthropy and volunteerism—the love of humanity has always been at the core of my identity. Since 1985, I have devoted myself to helping others: organizing philanthropic, cultural, and social events; supporting vulnerable communities; and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

My global journey began alongside my beloved husband, Tom Switzer, a former Public Diplomacy officer with the U.S. State Department. Although Tom recently passed, I continue to honor his legacy and the values we shared throughout our life together.

Wherever we were posted, I found ways to serve. My goal was always to unify diplomatic, international, and local communities to build a strong volunteer force. I personally organized and participated in countless fundraising efforts that have improved the lives of thousands—supporting orphans’ education, funding homes for the elderly, aiding mental health institutions, assisting single mothers and homeless individuals, donating thousands of Christmas gifts annually, and even sponsoring a young girl to compete in the Special Olympics.

It was in Washington, D.C. that I connected most deeply with AAFSW. The organization has been a cherished partner in my work, offering a platform to launch initiatives that reflect my passion for community and philanthropy. I have had the privilege of serving as AAFSW Program Chair (since 2009), Crisis Fund Chair, and Foreign-Born Spouses State Liaison. I previously served as Foreign-Born Spouse Chair, Women in Transition Chair, and Founder and Chair of the Crisis Fund. These roles have allowed me to support foreign-born spouses in moments of celebration and in times of transition, and to improve lives globally.

Among my proudest achievements is establishing the Crisis Fund, which has raised vital support for those facing hardship. I also organized the Ambassador Speaker Series, welcoming chiefs of mission from around the world to share their insights with our community. These programs—and many others—were made possible through the support of AAFSW board members, volunteers, and the encouragement of our presidents. I have warmly embraced initiatives from fellow AAFSW members, and this partnership has reaffirmed the power of shared purpose and mutual respect.

It is deeply gratifying to organize the Ambassador Speaker Series, which continues to bring global perspectives to our community. Other AAFSW activities I’ve led or supported include:

• Women’s History Month programs featuring global women leaders (held at the Department of State and DACOR Bacon House)

• Philanthropy and fundraising events at embassies and cultural venues

• Cultural programs at the Library of Congress, Shakespeare Library, and local theaters

• Tours of Capitol Hill, museums, archives, art galleries, the Kennedy Center, and private studios

• A tea at the White House hosted by First Lady Mrs. Bush

• Historical and art tours to Middleburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, and Annapolis

• Lectures, concerts, gala dinners, and networking events

Whether working in the bookroom with our wonderful volunteers or hosting cultural tours and celebrations, I have found joy in every moment. I encourage everyone to volunteer—you will discover fulfillment, friendship, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of others, especially those in need. We have exciting programs ahead, and I look forward to seeing you at our events.

Tom and I were blessed with two daughters, Christine and Jacqueline, both graduates of the University of Virginia.

Christine is the head of philanthropy at the Monarch Foundation, whose initiative, The Bridge Project, provides unconditional cash support to low-income mothers and babies in the United States. She holds a master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Her husband, Alexander Theodoridis, is a political science professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and holds degrees from UVA, Harvard Kennedy School, and UC Berkeley. They have a son and daughter.

Jacqueline is an acupuncturist and holistic health practitioner. In addition to her degree from UVA, she graduated from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, California. Her husband, Kevin May, is a business professor at Catholic University, and holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and George Washington University.

• 2019: AAFSW Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2018: AAFSW Volunteer Recognition and Award for Exceptional Leadership

• 2017: Award from the Governor of Zacatecas, Mexico

• 2015: DACOR Tragen Award

• 2012: Alliance of Pan American Round Table Award

• 2009: Lesley Dorman Award

• 1992: Avis Bohlen Award, Special Award from the Association of the Diplomatic World, and Recognition from the Mayor of Madrid

• 1991: Secretary of State’s Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA)

Whether working in the bookroom with our terrific volunteers or hosting cultural tours, lectures, and celebrations, I have found joy in every moment. I encourage everyone to volunteer—you will discover fulfillment, friendship, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

We have exciting programs ahead, and I look forward to seeing you at our events.

Warmly,

Sheila Switzer, AAFSW Program Chair, Crisis Fund Chair, Foreign-Born Spouses State Liaison

by Marina DiCarlo-Wierichs 

On Friday, July 18 AAFSW members and guests had the pleasure of attending a very unique art studio and home tour at Castlewood House in Vienna, Virginia. Organized by AAFSW Programming Chair, Sheila Switzer, guests were treated to the fascinating history of the home and its owners: Victor and Olga Sheymov, who defected from Russia in the 1980’s.

Greeting each guest at the door, Olga Sheymov was a warm and welcoming host. She first led us through the main floor rooms of the house, starting with the entrance tower which featured a 3 story high ceiling, a Juliet balcony with coat of arms, and two of Olga’s stunning paintings. Our hostess told us that much of the ironwork in the house was created by Danny Hurwitz who is known for his work on the White House gates and restoration of the Statue of Liberty. 

As we moved further into the home, we learned that the wide plank yellow pine floors came from a Pennsylvania property and were 250 years old. Much of the interior features of the home featured American craftsmanship using materials sourced from historic locales. This included the wine cellar floor which was constructed of the original bricks from the Gettysburg street where Lincoln made his famous speech. 

The house tour ended in the large family room which was set up for a fascinating Powerpoint and video presentation through which our hostess told us the story of her life and art. Unfolding the tale of Olga and Victor's defection from the Soviet Union in the 1980’s, she described a decade in hiding and the creation of a new life in America. Then she shared images and videos of her paintings which she had programmed as animations using AI prompts. The videos brought her colorful and surreal imagery to life, imbuing the works with meaning. 

After the presentation we shared a pot-luck buffet in the dining room and were free to wander the home and enjoy Olga'a stunning artwork displayed throughout. The event culminated in a tour of Olga’s beautiful loft studio. It’s airy, peaked roof and large windows make it the perfect space for creativity. 

AAFSW would like to thank Olga Sheymov for welcoming us into her home and for sharing her intriguing story with our members.

AAFSW was thrilled to join the 2025 Youth Awards Ceremony held on June 25 at the U.S. Department of State, celebrating the remarkable achievements of 229 young members of the Foreign Service community. Organized by Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF), in partnership with the Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO). The event brought together students, families, and supporters both in person and via livestream to honor excellence in art, essay writing, academic merit, and community service.

The creativity of Foreign Service youth was on full display—from powerful visual artwork and poignant storytelling to global volunteer initiatives that uplift vulnerable communities. AAFSW applauds these extraordinarily young changemakers.

This year’s AAFSW 2025 $12,500 Merit Scholarship fund recipients embody a vibrant mosaic of service, creativity, and global-minded leadership. Lillian Claire Moo, Lexy Jane Boudreau, Parker James Peterson, Eva Danis Berdugo and Triniti Marie White, as college students and third culture kids, they transform international experiences into bold action—improving access to clean water and infrastructure in underserved communities, advancing research on public health and environmental resilience, and collaborating with humanitarian organizations to reimagine development and education systems. Their efforts span continents, from Vietnam to Cameroon, Haiti to the American West, reflecting a shared commitment to empathy-driven innovation.

They teach music, build homes, conduct air quality studies, and use mathematics and engineering to solve pressing global problems. Through filmmaking and storytelling, they nurture intercultural understanding and invite audiences into spaces of emotional connection and dialogue. What unites them is not just their brilliance, but their belief that education, art, and service are powerful tools for change.

We invite you to read more about their inspiring journeys on AAFSW’s official announcement.

AAFSW is grateful to our members for supporting the young members of the Foreign Service community.

Sincerely,

Celine

Celine Ford, President

Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW)

 

Dear AAFSW Members,

As summer unfolds, we extend our warmest wishes for rest, renewal, and inspiration. As poet Henry James once wrote, “Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

In the months ahead, AAFSW is committed to renewing its activities and advancing initiatives that uplift our Foreign Affairs community. We remain dedicated to supporting employees, spouses, partners, and families through thoughtful programming that addresses evolving needs in professional development and family well-being. Our efforts continue to promote learning and mentorship—fostering growth at every stage of service.

We also extend deep appreciation to Ambassador Angela Dickey for her steady leadership and gracious support of AAFSW at DACOR Bacon House. Her stewardship has been invaluable in strengthening collaboration and advancing our shared mission.

As we welcome Ambassador Tom Shannon as the new President of DACOR Bacon House and Ambassador Marcia Bernicat as its Vice President, we look forward to continued partnership and vibrant programming. Likewise, we congratulate the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)’s incoming President John Dinkelman and thank outgoing President Tom Yazdgerdi for his resilient and thoughtful service through a particularly complex period.

This fall, we are especially proud to highlight the SOSA ceremony in November, which honors exceptional volunteerism abroad. The commitment and compassion shown by Foreign Service members and their families make a lasting difference in the most vulnerable communities and environments. Their work preserves sustainability and exemplifies American values through service and cultural connection. We also look forward to our Ambassadors Speaker Series, dedicated to fostering mutual understanding among global voices, and our Holiday Dinner Gala at the Embassy of Switzerland hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Ralf Heckner and Dr. Ilaria Marconi Heckner, a scholar with deep commitment to interreligious dialogue and historical perspectives.

AAFSW is excited about the impact we can achieve together—especially through the meaningful collaboration among DACOR, AFSA, the Cox Foundation, and our “sister” foreign affairs organizations, which engage regularly in dialogue, shared values, and steadfast support for the Foreign Service community.

Your support to our programs and initiatives is invaluable. Thank you for being part of this vibrant network. Your engagement and spirit of collaboration are what make our shared work so meaningful.

Warm regards,

Celine

Celine Ford, President

Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW)

 

AAFSW is pleased to share the winners of our 2025 youth merit scholarships for college students! Learn more about our winners below:

AAFSW’s Merit Scholarships ($2,500 each)

Lillian Claire Moo  

Lilly Moo is currently studying civil engineering at Oregon State University, with a strong interest in sustainable and resilient transportation and planning. She serves as the president of the Oregon State chapter of Engineers Without Borders, where she leads two teams of students working on water collection and management systems in communities in Cameroon and Cambodia. In winter 2025, Lilly will be traveling to Cameroon to connect with their partner community and survey the area for future construction projects.

On campus, Lilly is actively involved in the Sustainable, Healthy, and Resilient Buildings Lab, where she conducts research on indoor air quality in schools. Her work focuses on helping schools monitor air quality and implement filtration measures, particularly during wildfire smoke events.

Outside of her academic and research commitments, Lilly is an avid runner and recently completed her second marathon. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors with friends.

Lilly has demonstrated a strong passion for learning and applying engineering principles to address critical global challenges. Her enthusiasm for developing engineering solutions to enhance public health is evident in her academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Lexy Jane Boudreau

Lexy is a dedicated student pursuing a degree in Applied Mathematics and Industrial Engineering at North Carolina State University. Her unique upbringing across Bermuda, Ukraine, South Korea, Uganda, and Jordan has profoundly shaped her worldview and aspirations.

Lexy is passionate about sustainable global development and is committed to giving back to the diverse communities that have influenced her life. Her recent trip to Vietnam during spring break, where she collaborated with the NGO Children of Vietnam, was a pivotal experience that redefined her academic and professional goals. This experience reinforced her desire to contribute to the betterment of society through her education.

Lexy aims to leverage her expertise in mathematics and engineering to address critical global issues such as healthcare systems, supply chain development, and infrastructure improvement. She envisions herself as an engineer who designs solutions for people rather than profit, driven by a mission to create positive change.

As a third culture kid, Lexy believes her diverse background has equipped her with a unique perspective and a strong sense of purpose. She sees herself not as a bystander to the challenges around her but as an active agent of change, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the world.

Parker James Peterson

Parker is an incoming junior at Brigham Young University, where he is studying Geography with an emphasis in Geospatial Intelligence. He also plans to double-major in either Data Science or Political Science. If you were to spend an afternoon having lunch with Parker, you might find common ground over a game of chess, a discussion about jazz, or a conversation about fantasy books. Parker has had the privilege of living overseas in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mexico, and Haiti, which has enriched his life with diverse cultural experiences.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Parker has a passion for music and has served as a music teacher. He is proficient in playing the piano, alto saxophone, and baritone saxophone. Under his tutelage, several of his students have achieved recognition as top musicians in the state. During his time living in Los Angeles, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, Parker became aware of the struggles faced by many students and took it upon himself to prepare meals for them.

Parker's commitment to service is evident through his involvement in various projects, including building homes, working on local farms, teaching children with disabilities, and strengthening youth organizations. He has also actively participated in fundraising and food drives for organizations such as the Red Cross and the Loudoun County Food Bank, among others. Parker's dedication to helping others and his diverse experiences make him a well-rounded and compassionate individual.

AAFSW’s Twice Exceptional Merit Scholarship ($2,500)

Eva Danis Berdugo

Eva is an aspiring filmmaker with a passion for projecting her creativity onto a visual medium. As a third culture kid, she leverages her diverse background to connect with a global audience. Her goal is to inspire discussion and evoke emotions through her work, especially in a time where empathy is crucial.

Having lived in Italy, Spain, and France, Eva considers each of these places her home. For her, being a third culture kid means not belonging to a single culture but embracing multiple ones. Fluent in Italian, Eva plans to use her language skills to enhance her career and broaden her communication reach. She also aspires to experience Asia to gain a deeper understanding of a region she feels she doesn't know enough about.

Eva's international experiences have fostered a keen cultural understanding and a profound interest in literature and film. She possesses a sharp eye for detail and an advanced understanding of psychology, which she applies to her film work. Independent, engaged, and a skilled learner, Eva excels in communication and values the diverse perspectives of those around her.

She is aware of her fortune in being surrounded by a variety of people and viewpoints, and she feels most at home in a diverse community. Eva is committed to contributing to a knowledgeable and invigorating community where learning about and accepting others is highly valued.

Best Essay Scholarship ($1,000)

Katherine Alicia Nicodemus

Katherine “Kat” Nicodemus is a junior at George Mason University, pursuing a degree in Social Work. Born in Virginia, she has also spent part of her childhood living in Germany, Austria, and Ghana. These experiences enriched her global perspective and strengthened her values of empathy and compassion, cultural awareness, and community service. These values are central to her academic focus and career aspirations.

Kat is a dedicated student with a strong academic record and a clear commitment to excellence. Her passion for helping others is reflected not only in the classroom but also in her hands-on work as an ABA therapist, where she supports children on the autism spectrum. In addition to her professional role, she actively volunteers to help her community, further demonstrating her initiative and leadership in service-oriented settings.

Outside of her academic and professional life, Kat has nurtured a lifelong love for singing and maintains an active lifestyle through volleyball, tennis, and regular workouts. As the middle child between an older brother and a younger sister, she treasures her family deeply and credits them for her resilience and compassion. She also finds joy and comfort in the companionship of her two affectionate cats, who are never far from her side.

Receiving this merit scholarship is an affirmation of Kat’s hard work, character, and potential. It will not only support her academic journey but also empower her continued efforts to create meaningful change in the lives of others. She is sincerely grateful to AAFSW for considering her and for investing in the future of student leaders like herself.

Judy Felt Memorial Volunteerism Scholarship ($1,000)

Triniti Marie White

Triniti White is a sophomore Criminal Justice major and Spanish minor at Hampton University. She is originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, and a proud graduate of Gar-Field High School, where she earned an Advanced Studies Diploma and graduated Cum Laude with the Governor’s Seal for Academic Excellence. On campus, she is an active member of Legal Minds: The Criminal Justice Honor Society and performs with The Hampton University Marching Force.

Her passion for justice and service led her to intern at BerkleyNet in workers’ compensation and graduate from the Prince William County Police Explorer Program. That experience confirmed her decision to pursue criminal justice and fueled her commitment to helping reform law enforcement policy.

She has always paired leadership with giving back—whether it was volunteering with VA for Kamala to register voters, supporting a local Easter egg hunt with her sisters from the National Council of Negro Women, or managing production at the Grand Pre Alumni Council Pageant. Each experience reminded her that change begins with action and service.

Her long-term goal is to work in law enforcement policy reform and build systems that are fair, transparent, and community focused. She is committed to using this opportunity to grow, lead, and give back. Triniti is also dedicated to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity in all her endeavors, believing that true progress is achieved through collaboration and mutual respect. As she continues her academic and professional journey, she remains focused on making a positive impact and advocating for justice and equity in all aspects of society.

Call For Artists - Time Sensitive Opportunity! As part of our Art & Diplomacy Series, AAFSW is seeking entries from 2D artists from the American Foreign Service and former USAID communities living in the DMV. Eligible participants include EFMs and MOHs. The submission deadline is July 10, 2025.

AAFSW is proud to continue its support of American foreign affairs visual artists through the sponsorship of the 2026 Call for Entries at the Arts Club of Washington, part of AAFSW's ongoing Art and Diplomacy Series. This initiative honors the creativity and vision of foreign service employees, spouses, and partners, spotlighting their contributions to global dialogue and understanding through the transformative power of art.

For this year’s call, AAFSW especially encourages submissions from Foreign Service Artists, including those from the former USAID community. You are invited to submit work that reflects your unique perspectives, experiences, and creative journeys.

Group Submission Support: AAFSW will sponsor a group submission and cover the entry and hanging fees for selected artists.

How to Apply: Please find out more details on the group submission process below and how to participate. Artists must be residents of the DMV area.

Submission Deadline: July 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm.

Warmly, 

Celine Ford, President, AAFSW

How to Apply

Email office@aafsw.org with the following:

• JPG images of 4 works of your original 2D art. File names/numbers must correspond with a numbered image list. Example file name format: 01_LastName_Title.jpg
• A numbered image list including the Artist Name, Title, Medium, Year, Dimensions and Price.
• A brief Artist's Bio.

Incomplete entries will not be considered.

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On this July 4th, let’s celebrate not only the founding of a nation, but the enduring spirit that unites and uplifts it—kindness, community, and a belief in the greater good.

As de Tocqueville reflected, “America is great because America is good.” May that quiet goodness continue to shine through our actions, wherever we are in the world.

Wishing you a joyful and inspiring Independence Day! 

Warmly, 

Celine Ford, The Board of Directors and our Collaborators