THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MARCH 2025 55 AFSA NEWS Wrapping Up the Centennial Year On Dec. 11, 2024, AFSA and the Foreign Service continued their centennial festivities with a lively happy hour at AFSA headquarters. Despite torrential downpours in the D.C. area, more than 100 guests—members, retirees, and friends—joined to celebrate a century of diplomacy. Attendees enjoyed a custom cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, and AFSA-themed giveaways. AFSA thanks Chambers Theory for sponsoring the occasion. The event also marked two bittersweet farewells. Allan Saunders, AFSA’s communications manager for more than a decade, was honored for his years of service, and Sue Bremner received recognition upon her retirement from her position as AFSA’s longtime AFSA’s final happy hour of 2024 honored the Foreign Service’s centennial milestone. CHAMBERS THEORY/ISAAC BROWN Inside Diplomacy Nina Hachigian on Subnational Diplomacy On Dec. 3, 2024, AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi hosted Ambassador Nina Hachigian for another installment of AFSA’s Inside Diplomacy series, which brings thought-provoking discussions on foreign policy and the Foreign Service to the public. Amb. Hachigian, the State Department’s first-ever special representative for subnational diplomacy, shared insights into the growing significance of local governments in addressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, and economic development. The discussion illuminated how cities, states, and counties are increasingly active on the international stage, forging partnerships to address shared challenges and opportunities. Amb. Hachigian also shared details on recent achievements of her office and the importance of collaboration with local leaders and federal agencies to maximize the impact of subnational diplomacy. For a deeper dive into the themes and takeaways from this conversation, see excerpts on page 31. A recording is available at afsa.org/video. n USAID labor management adviser. With this gathering, AFSA capped its 2024 centennial on a high note. Now, in 2025, members remain inspired by a century of accomplishments and ready to forge the Foreign Service’s next chapter. n
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