Brega, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Puerto Ricans recover from the long-term effects of Hurricane Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her current capstone research explores how hosting the FIFA World Cup can be a catalyst for promoting human rights. At AFSA, Ariana will support membership recruitment, outreach events, Foreign Service Day, scholarships, and awards. She looks forward to engaging with the AFSA community, meeting new people, and contributing to initiatives that support the Foreign Service. n politics at the University of Edinburgh. In summer 2024, Ariana interned for Puerto Rico’s Department of State under the mentorship of former Puerto Rican Secretary of State Omar J. Marrero. Working in the External Affairs Office, she focused on strengthening Puerto Rico’s diplomatic relationships with Caribbean nations. In addition to her intern experience, Ariana volunteered with Boricua en la THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL-MAY 2025 79 AFSA NEWS AFSA’s New Membership Intern AFSA is pleased to welcome Ariana Becemberg, our new membership intern, who brings a passion for diplomacy, cultural exchange, and community service. A senior at American University studying international relations, Ariana is eager to contribute to AFSA’s mission while gaining hands-on experience in Foreign Service advocacy. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ariana is fluent in Spanish and has a growing proficiency in Portuguese. Her love of travel has taken her to more than 20 countries, including a year in Scotland, where she studied British Ariana Becemberg On Feb. 25 and 27, AFSA held four town halls, two for USAID staff and two for State and the other foreign affairs agencies, bringing together more than 2,500 members to discuss pressing workforce concerns, particularly the uncertainty surrounding potential reductions in force (RIFs). These conversations touched on a range of issues—how potential workforce cuts might unfold, what options employees have, and how AFSA is working to advocate on their behalf. AFSA is committed to helping Foreign Service members navigate what lies ahead. Throughout both discussions, there was a strong emphasis on the need for clarity from agency leadership. Members voiced concerns about the lack of information, the unpredictability of potential job losses, and how these changes might impact careers, families, and long-term stability. AFSA representatives, including AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi, USAID VP Randy Chester, State VP Tina Wong, FCS VP Joshua Burke, FAS VP Evan Mangino, and members of AFSA’s legal team, discussed their efforts on behalf of members. There were also conversations about broader workforce policies, the potential for legislative solutions, and the legal avenues available to employees who AFSA Hosts State and USAID Town Halls may be affected. Members were encouraged to stay informed, to reach out, and to engage with lawmakers where possible. Retirement options came up frequently. Some members wanted to know if early retirement programs could be expanded, allowing those who qualify to leave on more favorable terms. Others had questions about benefits— what they could count on, what might change, and how different choices could shape their futures. AFSA panelists shared ongoing efforts to engage with lawmakers, agencies, and other stakeholders to explore possible solutions. At USAID, where workforce reductions are underway, the conversation had a more urgent, immediate tone. Employees there were focused on what comes next. Legal challenges are in motion, grievances are being prepared, and AFSA is working to ensure that proper procedures are followed. USAID employees expressed frustration over job losses and the way reductions were handled. AFSA leaders assured them that they are pressing for accountability while also working to provide practical assistance to those affected. Beyond discussion of the specifics of RIFs, the town halls also touched on larger concerns about the future of the Foreign Service. Members wondered how ongoing workforce uncertainty might affect diplomacy and development work. Would agencies be able to retain talent? Would reductions weaken institutional knowledge? Could essential programs be disrupted? These are difficult questions with no immediate answers, but they are at the heart of why AFSA continues to advocate so strongly. AFSA is working on multiple fronts—through policy discussions, legal channels, and direct engagement with members and with management—to ensure Foreign Service professionals are treated fairly and have the support they need. n
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