Diversity Initiative in Foreign Policy

Conference on Diversity in International Affairs 2018

CFR hosted the sixth annual Conference on Diversity in International Affairs in collaboration with the Global Access Pipeline (GAP) and the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) on April 27–28, 2018 in Washington, DC. The event was designed to connect professionals and students from underrepresented backgrounds with career opportunities in international affairs and included plenary and breakout sessions on a variety of topics. The conference was made possible by the generous support of former CFR board member, Joan E. Spero.

Keynote Session: A Conversation With Jeh Johnson

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In the keynote session, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson discussed with Maria Teresa Kumar working in public service, his career path, and the importance of diversity.  

Plenary I: Global Hotspots

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In the opening session of the 2018 Conference on Diversity in International Affairs, journalists Ayman Mohyeldin and Barbara Demick discussed with Romesh Ratnesar hotspots around the world. 

Plenary II: One Year of Trump: U.S. Image Abroad

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In the second plenary, Elmira Bayrasli, David Smith, and Rachel Vogelstein looked with presider Guillermo Christensen at the current image of the United States abroad and assessed the policy of the United States and Trump administration one year in. 

Plenary III: Diversity in Foreign Affairs and Public Service

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In the third plenary, Ruth Davis, Carmen Lomellin, and Nicole Bibbins Sedaca spoke with Jerry L. Johnson about working in the foreign service, finding mentors, and career advice for young professionals.   

Plenary IV: The Status of Immigration Reform

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In the final plenary, Theresa Cardinal Brown, Carlos Guevara, and Allen Orr reviewed with Konstantin Kakaes the barriers for immigration to the United States and the current state of reform on immigration. 

Breakout Sessions 

- How to Work on Campaigns
- Making the Transition Between the Public and Private Sectors
- How to Write an Op-Ed 
- Acing Your Interview 
- International Opportunities: Fellowships, Graduate School, Internships, and More
- Navigating Washington

2018 Conference on Diversity in International Affairs Agenda (PDF)

Secretary Jeh Johnson speaks with conference participants
Secretary Jeh Johnson speaks with conference participants
Conference attendees
Conference attendees
Conference question
Conference question
Networking reception
Networking reception