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)