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2026 AAFSW Merit Scholarship Winners

Kiara Fenn

Kiara Fenn is a rising senior at Cornell University studying biomedical engineering with a minor in Spanish. For the past three years, she has worked in a research laboratory — an experience that has inspired her to pursue a PhD in the biomedical field after graduation. When she is not in class or in the lab, she loves to run and dance — whether it's contra dance, swing dance, or sevillanas, a style of flamenco she learned while studying abroad in Seville, Spain this past spring

Thomas Benson

Thomas attended high school at the American International School Chennai and volunteered at Blue Cross of India, a veterinary NGO. Working alongside Regional Manager Vinod Kumar, he administered a J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust grant to purchase antiparasitic medicines — an experience that deepened his passion for veterinary science. He now attends the University of Florida, where heI volunteers as a veterinary technician and conducts research on heat stress in cattle. He hopes to enter veterinary school after graduation. 

2026 AAFSW Twice Exceptional Merit Scholarship Winners

Rya Anderson

This fall, Rya will attend Brigham Young University to pursue a degree in Nursing — the first step toward her long-term goal of becoming a Nurse Anesthetist. During high school, she had the honor of being invited to join the Aztec Chapter of the National Honor Society and co-founded a local chapter of Create for Kids (the first chapter ever opened in Mexico). Among her proudest achievements are maintaining Honor Roll every semester throughout high school, remaining actively involved in my church and school communities, and becoming a proficient pianist. 

Tamar Levy-Gedacht

Tamar is a senior at Cooperative Arts and Humanities Magnet High School with a strong interest in visual arts, languages, and international experiences. As a Third Culture Kid who has lived in multiple countries — including South Korea and Israel — she has developed a deep appreciation for cultural exchange and global perspectives. Her academic and extracurricular involvement includes ceramics, playwriting, show choir, taekwondo instruction, and studying Korean through the Yale Center for Language Study. She has earned a 4.0 GPA, received the ACTFL Seal of Biliteracy in Hebrew, and been inducted into the National Arts Honor Society. In the future, she hopes to continue studying language and the arts while pursuing opportunities to engage with different cultures around the world. 

2026 Judy Felt Memorial Volunteerism Scholarship - Alexander Flashberg 

Alex Flashberg is studying Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, with minors in Naval Science and Leadership Studies. Inspired by the Foreign Service personnel and Marines he met serving in U.S. embassies overseas, he joined the Corps of Cadets and Naval ROTC program at Virginia Tech. Upon graduation, he plans to commission as an officer in the United States Navy, with an interest in flying helicopters. 

2026 AAFSW Best Essay Scholarship Winner - Lillian Jafari

Lillian graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in June 2026. Outside of the United States, she has lived in Kenya, Cambodia, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and Uganda. For the past two years, she has interned at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, an experience that inspired her to study art history and education in college. This fall, she will attend Connecticut College, with the goal of pursuing a career in museum education.

Honoring 250 Years Together   

June 2026

Dear AAFSW Community,

 As we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation, AAFSW is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our global Foreign Affairs community. It is a moment to reflect on the values that have shaped us, service, resilience, creativity, and the commitment to supporting one another wherever we are in the world. We are deeply grateful to our members, partners, and supporters who make this work possible.

 I am pleased to share the SOSA Legacy Report, which highlights the contributions recognized through the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA). SOSA awardees showed how creativity, compassion, and civic engagement could strengthen the U.S. presence overseas and enrich the communities in which they served. Their work continues to reflect the spirit of service that defines our global community.

AAFSW also looks forward to announcing the new AAFSW Board of Directors. I am grateful for the dedication and collaboration of our Board members, past and present, whose leadership sustains our mission.

This year has once again shown the strength of our community. Whether through our cultural programs, fundraisers, or the support we provide to evacuees, RIFed employees, and spouses in crisis, the response from our members has been remarkable. The generosity, solidarity, and friendships that define AAFSW continue to inspire me.

 I extend my sincere appreciation to the Board and our colleagues for their dedicated support for AAFSW’s shared purpose. I am also grateful to our members and volunteers for their engagement and encouragement across our programs. It has been a privilege to serve this community and see the strength and kindness that define it.

Warm regards,

Celine Ford

President, AAFSW

AAFSW’s Arts and Diplomacy program was delighted to support our AAFSW artists and friends during a vibrant Happy Hour and Artists’ Talk held on May 28, 2026, at Café Zevian and Falls Church Arts. The evening brought together five remarkable artists, Andrea Salzman (EFM), Ann Phann, Dave Curtis, John Valenti, and Mareen Minard, whose works offered thoughtful perspectives on American life across the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Their artwork reflected deep thought and a willingness to engage with America as throughout its evolving history. Each artist approached this milestone with a distinct voice, exploring themes of identity, community, memory, and the ever‑shifting landscape of the American experience. The result was a rich and inspiring conversation that invited guests to reflect, question, and imagine.

Café Zevian added a meaningful cultural dimension to the gathering. Rooted in Turkish culinary traditions and enriched by flavors from Greece and Lebanon, the café embodies the spirit of exchange and connection. Together with Falls Church Arts, the setting created a welcoming space for dialogue, creativity, and community.

We look forward to seeing you at future Arts & Diplomacy events.

Warmly,

Celine Ford

By Celine Ford, June 15, 2026

AAFSW hosted a joyful Mother’s Day’s High Tea at the prestigious National Press Club (NPC), bringing together men and women for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community in honor of Mother’s Day. The event took place on May 12, 2026, in the symbolic First Amendment Lounge, where former NPC President Mr. Myron Belkind graciously welcomed AAFSW guests to this historic space.

AAFSW Program Chair Sheila Switzer opened the program with her characteristic warmth, thanking attendees for joining this special celebration and introducing the talented artists who shaped the afternoon’s atmosphere, soprano Danyi Ma, and pianist Ge Shi. Their beautiful performance added an elegant musical dimension to the gathering. AAFSW President Celine Ford shared Mr. Belkind’s delightful note that this was the first time the National Press Club had hosted a High Tea, and certainly the first time it was accompanied by such beautiful live soprano music, making the occasion especially memorable.

Ms. Lilliana Schutte offered guests a fascinating look into the origins of the High Tea tradition, explaining its roots in Victorian England and its lesser-known role in expanding social spaces for women. She highlighted how Afternoon Tea, originally inspired by the Duchess of Bedford, became a cherished ritual of refinement, conversation, and personal expression, while High Tea developed as a heartier evening meal served at a “high” dining table. Her remarks illuminated how these traditions evolved into meaningful moments of connection, particularly for women seeking community and intellectual exchange.

The afternoon concluded on a happy note as guests enjoyed the refined setting of the National Press Club, celebrating Mother’s Day together in a space that honors both history and the spirit of community.

Dear AAFSW Community,

At a moment when global diplomacy and service intersect with increasing complexity, AAFSW continues to stand with Foreign Affairs families who navigate these realities every day. Our community serves in environments shaped by geopolitical shifts, humanitarian crises, and the daily work of advancing U.S. interests abroad. Across these landscapes, AAFSW provides continuity, connection, and support.

The breadth of AAFSW’s programs reflects our enduring commitment to the Foreign Service community. Our long history of advocacy has strengthened institutions such as the Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) and the Overseas Briefing Center (OBC) at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NAFTC), ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive. Through the Art & BookFair and the AAFSW BookStore, we foster community while generating support for our mission. We stay steadfast in advancing EFM employment in Washington and at posts around the globe.

AAFSW supports families during challenging transitions. The Evacuee Support Network assists those returning unexpectedly to the Washington area, while Spouses in Transition offers guidance to those navigating separation or divorce. Our Foreign‑Born Spouses Group provides a welcoming, close‑knit community for members from so many cultures and countries.

We strengthen connection and access to information through the Foreign Service Hub, a central resource for Foreign Service with relevant links, and through Online Housing Classifieds, which help families relocating to the Washington, DC area. The Spouse Oral History Project, housed at ADST, preserves the lived experiences of Foreign Service families. Our Programs offer cultural events and presentations that enrich our members and the broader diplomatic community.

AAFSW’s awards also reflect the values at the heart of our community. The Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) recognizes Foreign Service employees, spouses and partners, and Members of Household serving overseas for exceptional volunteer service that strengthens host communities and mission life.

The Champions of Career Enhancement for Eligible Family Members Award (CCE‑EFM) honors individuals who make extraordinary efforts to advance employment and career development for Foreign Service family members.

The Lesley Dorman Award recognizes an AAFSW spouse or partner member whose outstanding service across the organization reflects the leadership and dedication of former AAFSW President Lesley Dorman.

AAFSW’s fundraising efforts also support partners across the Foreign Service community, including the Foreign Affairs Support Network (FASN), the Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF), initiatives that assist Locally Employed (LE) Staff at U.S. embassies and consulates, and stateside nonprofits dedicated to serving underserved populations.  

Together, these services and recognitions reflect a community grounded in generosity, resilience, and shared purpose. AAFSW’s work endures through the dedication of its members and volunteers and through the continued collaboration and support of U.S. Department of State bureaus, offices, and partner agencies.

With sincere thanks for your partnership and commitment,

Celine Ford

Nominations are now being accepted for the:

2026 AAFSW Champions of Career Enhancement for Eligible Family Members (CCE-EFM) Award

Nomination deadline: June 30, 2026. 

DACOR Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award

Nomination deadline: May 31, 2025. 

Nominations must be submitted via this Google form.

Who is Eligible? Direct-hire employees and family members who go above and beyond their job descriptions and routine daily activities to promote the cause of employment and career development for Foreign Service family members are eligible for the Champions of Career Enhancement for Eligible Family Members (CCE-EFM).

The Tragen Award honors a spouse, family member, or member of household (MOH), who has effectively advocated and promoted rights, programs, services, and benefits for FS families.  The Tragen Award is sponsored and administered by DACOR, an organization of foreign affairs professionals. Please visit DACOR's website to learn more about the Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award. 

Nominate Here

Questions? 

For the CCE-EFM award, please contact efmemployment@aafsw.org. 

For the Tragen award, contact nominations@dacorbacon.org.

What if you could support a business that truly understands your life?

FSBizHub connects you with vetted Foreign Service entrepreneurs — people who understand the realities of global living, transitions, and service.

For customers, it’s a trusted way to discover unique services and products.

For business owners, it’s a platform to gain visibility and reach a global audience.

It’s more than a directory — it’s a network supporting its own. Built by the community — open to the world.

Because supporting each other doesn’t stop at borders — it grows beyond them.

Visit the FSBizHub at https://www.aafsw.org/business-directory

Explore the directory and support FS entrepreneurs

List your business

Join AAFSW

Vote for the new Board

#FSBizHub #SupportSmall #AAFSW

Experience Washington, DC — through a diplomatic lens.

AAFSW’s cultural programming brings members inside embassies and international institutions for unique, high-level events.

These are not just gatherings — they’re opportunities to connect, learn, and engage across cultures.

Moments that reflect the global life you live — and the community behind it.

Visit aafsw.org for more.

✨ Join our next monthly cultural event

Join AAFSW

Vote for the new Board

#CulturalDiplomacy #ForeignService #AAFSW

A new post. A new city. A new challenge.

Foreign Service spouses build careers across borders, often while juggling relocations and transitions. AAFSW is here to help — offering networking through coffees, happy hours, and virtual connections, as well as career support like resume review, job search guidance, and advocacy for employment opportunities.

Because behind every move is a career that deserves continuity.

Whether you’re restarting, reimagining, or growing your path — we’re here to support you.

Visit us at aafsw.org.

Join AAFSW

Vote for the new Board

#EFM #ForeignServiceLife #AAFSW

Looking for Foreign Service resources shouldn’t feel like searching in the dark.

That’s why AAFSW created FSHub.org — a comprehensive gateway gathering services, tools, and information for the entire FS community.

Whether you’re preparing for a move, navigating a transition, or looking for guidance — it’s all in one place. So you can spend less time searching and more time moving forward.

Visit the FSHub: https://www.aafsw.org/fs-hub

Access to the right information changes everything.

Explore. Connect. Navigate smarter.

Join AAFSW

Vote for the new Board

#FSHub #ForeignService #AAFSW

Dear All,

I want to express our community's strength, generosity, and unity.

AAFSW has seeded the Foreign Affairs Support Network (FASN)’s Moises Mendoza Peer Support Training Fund, partnering with the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado. And we do so in tribute to Moises Mendoza, our Secretary of State Awards for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) Chair. His example continues to guide our work, and I am grateful to the FASN team for their leadership in bringing this initiative forward. I am equally grateful to our AAFSW members and donors. Your support makes efforts like this possible.

We are also moving ahead with the SOSA Impact Report from a generous funding of the Una Chapman Cox Foundation. In partnership with the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST), we will be conducting short interviews with SOSA Awardees. These conversations will help us capture the real impact of the SOSA Awards and highlight American values and the extraordinary volunteerism that strengthens our Foreign Affairs community around the world.

Our Coffee Mornings have become a welcoming space for families, Eligible Family Members and evacuees, including their children. The Evacuee Support Network (ESN) has been a tremendous partner in making these gatherings meaningful.

Our programs continue to expand in ways that strengthen connection and belonging. The Foreign-Born Spouses group has reunited with renewed energy, offering a space where spouses from around the world can share experiences, build friendships, and support one another through the unique challenges of globally mobile life.

AAFSW also stays deeply committed to advocacy for Eligible Family Members pursuing meaningful careers while serving around the world. Through the AAFSW FS Community Business Directory, we are building a Foreign Affairs reference portal that highlights the talents, services, and businesses of EFMs, MOHs, FSOs, and members of our broader community. Business owners and authors can present their work, and our community can support them by choosing to shop “FS first.” Alongside this, AAFSW’s Foreign Service Hub Employment Resources continue to provide practical tools, guidance, and visibility for EFMs navigating professional pathways across posts and transitions.

AAFSW recently took part in the Interagency Roundtable (IART) hosted at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Global Community Liaison Office expressed appreciation for our participation, and the session generated strong interest in AAFSW’s programs and community support efforts. During the discussion, I emphasized how important it is to sustain the SOSA Awards, which reflect American values abroad and honor the selfless contributions of our Foreign Affairs community.

Demonstrating support for foreign affairs families, recognizing service, and fostering collaborative partnerships exemplify our collective achievements. Thank you for your trust, your energy, and your continued support of AAFSW’s mission.

Warm regards,

Celine Ford

President, AAFSW