38 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Before her spouse joined the Foreign Service in 2023, Leonard spent nearly two decades serving others as a military spouse and community volunteer. She supported families through the Marine Corps’ LINKS program, the Navy–Marine Corps Relief Society, and as a family readiness adviser in Japan. She also contributed to NATO’s family support efforts and the International Women’s Club in Portugal. With a degree in exercise sports science and professional experience in physical therapy and rehabilitation, she brings to her work a deep understanding of care, resilience, and well-being. “As a military spouse for almost 20 years, I’ve seen how vital a supportive network is,” she said. “Becoming a CLO allowed me to help others feel connected and informed and to be part of something bigger than myself.” For Leonard, the award reflects community, not individual achievement. In her remarks at the October 1 awards ceremony, she shared, “The truth is, this award is not mine alone. My work as a CLO was only possible because of the unwavering support and collaboration of so many people in Embassy Dhaka—from emergency wardens to volunteers across every section. None of this would have been possible without them.” She also expressed gratitude to the Global Community Liaison Office for their guidance during the embassy’s departure and return, and to her husband, Major Ian Leonard, and daughter Mia, for their patience and encouragement throughout a year of constant challenge. “This recognition is really a reflection of what we can achieve when we come together with one purpose—to support one another and create a community where everyone feels valued and included.” Her favorite quote, by Steve Jobs, captures her philosophy: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Through that love, and through her dedication to service, teamwork, and compassion, Jiana Leonard has shown what it means to lead with both courage and heart. Avis Bohlen Award for a Foreign Service Family Member Jane Krill Thompson A Heart for Service in Kathmandu During three years at post in Nepal, Jane Krill Thompson, spouse of Senior Foreign Service Officer and U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Dean Thompson, has embodied the spirit of service that defines the Avis Bohlen Award: quiet, sustained, and deeply human engagement that strengthens the bond between the U.S. mission and its host nation. Leveraging a lifetime of experience in special education and early childhood development, Thompson devoted herself to improving opportunities for children in some of Kathmandu’s most underserved neighborhoods. Twice each week, she volunteered with the Asha School, an elementary school run by the local NGO Asha Sansar that serves children from migrant and marginalized families. Drawing on her decades of teaching and administrative experience, Thompson spent one day each week in the classroom and another training teachers to identify students needing additional support. She worked closely with staff to introduce inclusive education techniques, helping teachers adapt lessons for children with special needs. The colleague who nominated her noted that she “did not delegate; she rolled up her sleeves and did the work herself.” Recognizing the need for sustained learning resources, Thompson successfully applied for a J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust grant, which enabled her to establish a school library. She personally oversaw the project from start to finish, designing the proposal, collecting and cataloging books, training a staff member to serve as librarian, and creating a quiet space where children could read and explore. Today, that library stands as a tangible legacy of her initiative and commitment. “Jane has a very busy schedule as the ambassador’s spouse, but she goes out of her way to reach out to the underprivileged,” her nominator wrote. “She brings credit to the American post here in Nepal.” Jane Krill Thompson “The truth is, this award is not mine alone. My work as a CLO was only possible because of the unwavering support and collaboration of so many people … from emergency wardens to volunteers across every section.” —Jiana Leonard
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