FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER
Dear TLG members,
Welcome to our new quarterly newsletter! We are happy to share with you that 2018 was a great success and we look forward to continuing to serve you and future members in 2019. In this issue of our newsletter, we introduce the first TLG Spotlight for 2019 and share a brief recap of 2018 events of note. We also feature a survey. We would appreciate your feedback, which will allow us to better serve you. Please let us know your ideas on what you would like to see this year and beyond. Our survey is at the bottom of this newsletter.
Going forward our newsletter will feature highlights of our members. If you want to be featured in the newsletter please email us at TLG1973@state.gov.
Thank you,
Recardo Gibson
TLG President
TLG Board (from left to right) Amber Whittington, Imani Pitman, Shawanesh Underwood, and Recardo Gibson.
February TLG Spotlight
Lia Miller
We're excited to announce the re-launch of the TLG Spotlight. We started off 2019 saluting Lia Miller, a Public Diplomacy coned career Foreign Service Officer. Lia has worked extensively on issues across the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America during her 15 years with the U.S. Department of State. She is currently in language training to become the next Public Affairs Officer at U.S. Embassy Yerevan. Learn more about her story on our website here or the TLG Facebook page and look out for future spotlights throughout this year featured on our Facebook page.
In 2018, TLG celebrated its 45th anniversary. We hosted exciting engagements that exemplified our tremendous team work and dedication to advancing our mission. Along with our partners, we welcomed a new generation of diverse future Foreign Service Officers, hosted career development panels, volunteered in Southeast D.C., and shared career experiences at USAID. Learn more below.
TLG Launches New Professional Development Series
TLG launched the Small Group Discussion Forum, a new professional development series that brings together senior level officials with mid-career and entry level members. Senior level participants discuss their career path, lessons learned, and how they overcame challenges in their career. TLG was proud to welcome TLG Life Member Tony Fernandes, Director of Regional Affairs in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs as our first participant. Mr. Fernandes provided attendees with valuable insight that will help officers as they move forward in their career.
TLG and the Association of Black American Ambassadors hosted a reception welcoming the 2018 Thomas R. Pickering, Charles B. Rangel, and Donald M. Payne Fellows. The reception featured remarks by Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. and Congressman Emeritus Charles B. Rangel, who was celebrating a birthday (pictured above).
USAID Professional Development Series
TLG hosted the second Small Group Discussion Forum with Gary Juste, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Human Capital and Talent Management at USAID. Mr. Juste shared career experiences working at USAID and answered questions about his path and experience in the Foreign Service.
TLG sponsored the 5th Annual Department of State and USAID Career Panel with the Howard University Ralph J. Bunche Center. Attendees heard from State Department and USAID professionals, including Ambassador Larry Palmer, Acquania Escarne, Carl Rahmaan, Marion Epkuk, and TLG President Recardo Gibson. Over 30 attendees received advice on pursuing careers that advance U.S. foreign policy and participated in a post-event networking reception.
Community Service
TLG Partners with the Anacostia Watershed Society for a Community Service Project
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Giving back to the community is one of the priorities for the TLG Board. TLG partnered with the Anacostia Watershed Society to help clean up the Anacostia River. TLG members were on hand to learn about the Watershed Society’s cleanup efforts.
2nd Annual TLG Day at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
For the second year in a row, TLG took members on a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. For some of our members this was their first visit to the museum. The tour offered a moving & inspiring afternoon. The museum is a powerful reminder of our greatest challenges & triumphs.We are proud to share this experience with our members.
TLG organized a brownbag discussion on Council on Foreign Relations Term Membership for mid-level employees. Term membership provides networking and professional development opportunities for individuals between the ages of 30-36 year olds at one of the premier foreign policy think tanks. This brownbag is a part of our efforts to promote diversity within the broader foreign affairs community. TLG remains at the forefront of diversifying these institutions.
TLG Hosts International Career Advancement Program Brownbag Session
TLG hosted a special brownbag session at USAID on the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP). Dr. E. Thomas Rowe, Founder and Director ICAP gave a special briefing to USAID staff. Attendees learned about the program and the application process. With over 500 alumni, ICAP is the premiere organization dedicated to promoting diversity in international affairs. To learn more visit https://www.icapaspen.org/
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU...
As we continue our work preparing the next generation of leaders and serving as the leading voice for diversity in the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development. Let us know what you love, what we could do better, and what you want to see next!