Dear AAFSW members, volunteers and community,

Thank you for supporting AAFSW through a year marked by both complexity and accomplishment. Our mission thrives thanks to your ongoing support and encouragement. Central to that mission is our commitment to recognizing individuals whose work strengthens and inspires our global community.

AAFSW stays deeply committed to honoring this year’s SOSA, CCE-EFM, and Dorman awardees. It is important that we come together to recognize their remarkable contributions and the impact they make across the globe. While we will not hold the traditional ceremony this year, SOSA Co-Chairs Moises Mendoza and Josa Dorce will host a virtual meet-and-greet in January 2026 with AAFSW board members, fellow winners, and, if available, other State Department officials. This gathering will allow all our members to celebrate the achievements of our awardees and reaffirm AAFSW’s unwavering commitment to them, regardless of external challenges.

Our Annual Gala Fundraiser Dinner at the Swiss Residence was a wonderful celebration of community and purpose. Ambassador Ralph Heckner and Dr. Ilania Marconi graciously welcomed us to an evening filled with music, friendship, and generosity. Thanks to the exceptional work of Sheila Switzer and our AAFSW team, guests enjoyed an unforgettable program while supporting AAFSW initiatives and The Tree House Child Advocacy Center. I was proud to select THAC as this year’s beneficiary, and their leadership expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visibility and encouragement they received. It was a joy to begin the holiday season together and to reaffirm the spirit of service that defines our community.

In a year of challenges, AAFSW is especially grateful for the steadfast support of our U.S. State Department partners and the leadership and colleagues at the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST), the Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF) and DACOR Bacon House. Their collaboration strengthens our organization and expands our impact in meaningful ways. I greatly appreciate our AAFSW colleagues, team members and volunteers for their dedication to achieving our mission.

Our community once again delivered a notable effort in 2025, a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together with compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to service.

Wishing you peace, joy, and all the very best this holiday season.

Warmly,

Celine

Together with the AAFSW Board of Directors and our colleagues