June 2017
Mrs. Imani Esparza Pitman is a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Civil Service at the U.S. Department of State. She is the Western Hemisphere policy advisor for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. In this role, Imani provides policy and communication guidance in the region on a wide range of environment, science, technology and health diplomacy issues from space cooperation to wildlife trafficking. She led U.S. government bilateral engagement on environmental diplomacy with Colombia, coordinated opportunities for engagement with Cuba, and engaged youth in opportunities to protect our oceans. Imani has also served as a press officer and worked to promote study abroad programs and digital outreach in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Bureau of International Information Programs. Imani has a M.A. in Latin American Studies from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Richmond. She has studied abroad in Chile and the Dominican Republic and travelled on official duties to Colombia, Denmark, Honduras, and Peru. Imani is passionate about diversity in international affairs, technology, and sharing resources and opportunities via mentoring and formal trainings.
“It’s most rewarding to know that I’m helping to make an impact, not just globally, but on individuals in tangible ways,” Imani said. “The air we breathe, the food we eat, and the environment we depend on to survive are all tied to my work. I can engage internationally every day, which I love, and also know that my direct community and family in the U.S. benefit as well.”