The Foreign Service Journal, June 2022

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2022 35 more broadly. As an example, PFN has pushed for greater consideration of the safety of LGBTQI+ officers in directed assignments and for more profes- sional mentorship programs for officers of color.” Since its incep- tion in 2020, the network has regularly solicited Payne alumni feedback to raise issues with relevant stakeholders among USAID leadership. Part- nership with the Foreign Service Center (HCTM/FSC) has helped make the onboarding and orientation processes more equitable and inclusive, improved external recruitment efforts and assign- ment processes for LGBTQI+ persons, and provided feedback on broader efforts on behalf of the USAID Foreign Service community. Another important network partner is the Pickering and Ran- gel Fellows Association. Together, PFN and PRFA are exploring ways to exchange lessons learned on advocating for alumni needs and interests, support common advocacy efforts, and collabo- rate on professional development and networking opportunities among State and USAID FSOs overseas. All these efforts combined are building a solid foundation for FSOs of diverse backgrounds to access the resources and support needed for successful long-term Foreign Service careers. These partnerships are the building blocks of the collective voice of Payne Fellows and alumni at USAID, whose advocacy efforts also benefit other FSOs from diverse backgrounds at the agency. A rising tide lifts all boats. Raising Awareness PFN Executive Champion Duncan-Jones has emphasized the important role the network plays at USAID: “The Network is instru- mental in providing leadership and strategic direction to increase awareness and understanding about, and support for the Payne Fellowship and Payne alumni. After only a short period, the Net- work has quickly become a recognized valuable Agency resource, high employee retention is expected, and the qualified Payne Fel- lowship applicant pool has steadily increased since its inception.” The network has advocated for the unique needs of Payne alumni in high-level fora and institutionalized regular commu- nication and feedback between Payne Fellows and alumni, the The Payne Fellowship Network leadership. COURTESYOFMARIELAMEDINACASTELLANOS USAID front office, human resources, Payne Fellowship founders, and the implementing partner univer- sity, among other stakeholders. PFN has educated USAID staff worldwide about the Payne Fellow- ship and has created sustainable channels for Payne Fellowship alumni to engage with USAID leadership to solve problems for years to come. The alumni feedback facilitated by the network, for example, has enhanced the Payne Fellowship’s follow-on award and helped improve broader FSO processes like onboarding and assignments. The Payne Fellowship Network is proud to be a change agent in the DEIA space because these achievements benefit FSOs across USAID. We hope that this momentumwill continue to be embraced by the agency at all levels through targeted and actionable reforms. PFN is setting the groundwork to recruit and retain a more inclusive and representative USAID Foreign Service and diplomatic corps, thereby increasing returns on USAID’s investment in DEIA across the agency. The growth of the Payne Fellowship and the work of the network can illustrate the power of a Foreign Service that increasingly represents the rich diversity of the United States abroad. How FSJ Readers Can Support PFN Now that readers are familiar with the Payne Fellowship Network at USAID, we ask our interagency colleagues to help spread the word about this prestigious fellowship throughout your networks. For USAID readers, we ask you to support the career development of Payne Fellows and alumni by: • Mentoring fellows and alumni. • Hosting fellow summer placements. • Supporting fellow and alumni rotations, details and tempo- rary assignments. • Providing guidance to alumni through critical career junc- tures including bidding, tenure and promotions. PFN is always looking for new members to help champion its cause at USAID. To connect with the PFN Board or get involved in PFN efforts, please email PayneFellowshipNetworkBoard@ usaid.gov. n