High-Heeled Diplomacy

Isabelle Iguchi is currently the Special Assistant to the Assistant Administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia. Prior to her role, she graduated from American University, with a BA in International Studies. Isabelle discusses the importance of building professional relationships, some college courses that helped shape her career, and how she's developed her personal style at work.

*The views and opinions of participants on this podcast do not state of reflect those of the United States Government. Podcast participants views and opinions do not reflect those of the podcast participant's employers*

Liz Leibowitz is the Senior Director for U.S. Government Relations at the ONE Campaign, but obtained a diverse and impressive set of experiences in foreign assistance, international development, and global health. Notably, she served as Senior Foreign Policy Advisors to Senator Ben Cardin and Representative Nita M. Lowey, and as the Pillar Lead for Policy and Engagement on USAID's COVID-19 Taskforce. Liz opens up about her motivations to work in global health, and highlights some of her legislative accomplishments from her time on Capitol Hill.

*Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*

Isabella Blecha is the Chief of Staff for USAID's Bureau for Inclusive Growth, Partnerships, and Innovation. Prior to her current role, she was Special Assistant and Advisor to USAID Administrator Samantha Power, and served on the Biden-Harris Campaign. She provides useful insights on how she earned her role in a presidential administration early on in her career, and tells listeners about some of her impactful accomplishments.

*Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*

Rachel Brooks is currently Project Manager at Microsoft's Democracy Forward initiative. As she works in the intersection of technology and democracy, she is passionate about uplifting access to trustworthy information. Rachel shares her motivations for working in this industry, and how her career goals and aspirations have changed over time.

*Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*

Shannon Kellman is the Senior Adviser in the U.S. Liaison Office of UNAIDS. Prior to her current role, she worked for many global health advocacy organizations, and spent a substantial amount of time on Capitol Hill. She joins High-Heeled Diplomacy to discuss her unique pathway into a global health career, and shares a ton of advice for working in a congressional office.

*Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*

Nikole Burroughs has many years of experience overseeing government budgets in order to solve global challenges. She most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for USAID Administrator Samantha Power, and she currently co-leads the appropriations practice at Tiber Creek Group. She shares best practices for working with government leadership, and some very impactful stories from her time at USAID.

*Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*

Rachel Grand is currently completing a Department of Defense Presidential Management Fellowship rotation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Europe & NATO Policy. She's had the incredible opportunity to work at three international-focused agencies early in her career, and sheds light on her various experiences at each one. She also shares many useful tips and tricks for obtaining a Presidential Management Fellowship.

*The views and opinions of participants on this podcast do not state of reflect those of the United States Government. Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*

Assistant Deputy Minister for Sub-Saharan Africa Cheryl Urban hails from Global Affairs Canada, the government agency that defines, shapes and advances Canadian interests and values in a complex global environment. With a strong desire to serve the Canadian people, Cheryl shared some highlights from her career and along with priceless advice for women in her field.

*Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*

I had a conversation with Laura Hall, a senior inspector at the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of State. Through her long career integrating policy and management, she proves to us there are various routes to pursue a career in international affairs.

You can view job postings at the Office of the Inspector General here.

*The views and opinions of participants on this podcast do not state of reflect those of the United States Government. Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*

I sat down with Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander to hear about her long and successful career in international development. Between her influential leadership in the public and private sectors, Paige has a ton of wisdom to share.

Watch her TEDWomen 2023 talk here.

*Host views and opinions in this podcast do not reflect those of my employer*