The Foreign Service Journal, December 2019

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2019 39 But Mr. Mendoza worked with all stakeholders to address their concerns. In 2019 he re-approached management to explain his idea and received permission to teach CPR at post. He then trained more than a dozen staff members and their families. He also facilitated the training of a local staff member to be a CPR instructor, at no cost to the department. This will keep this project sustainable and ensure that despite Matamoros having no medical unit, there will always be someone available to teach CPR to community members. Because of Mr. Mendoza’s efforts, Matamoros is now a safer post for all members of the consulate community. “To me, this award demonstrates that the Foreign Service values innovation, striving to make positive change despite all obstacles and making our institution better,” Mr. Mendoza said upon receiving the award. “Constructive dissent is not always easy, but sometimes it is simply the right thing to do. I feel deeply honored to follow in the footsteps of some fantastic officers who have won this award.” Moises Mendoza joined the Foreign Service in 2016 and completed his first tour in Matamoros in June 2019. He is now in language training and will serve as a political officer in Port- au-Prince beginning in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and master’s degrees in public policy and international affairs from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Germany, and Columbia University, respectively. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Mr. Mendoza was a journalist whose work appeared in the Houston Chronicle , the Los Angeles Times and Hemispheres magazine, among other publications. Mark Palmer Award for the Advancement of Democracy Nora Brito Promoting Democracy in Venezuela N ora Brito is recognized for her work to promote a new generation of leaders to restore democracy in Venezuela. Shortly after Ms. Brito’s arrival as a political officer at U.S. Embassy Caracas in 2017, she created an informal group of 12 young members of the Venezuelan National Assembly. This group included members from all sectors of the Venezuelan opposition. Using her strong relationship-building skills and substantive knowledge of Venezuelan politics, Ms. Brito built honest, long- lasting relationships with the group. These interactions provided her, Embassy Caracas and Washington a fresh perspective on the Venezuelan political situation. “Since day one, Nora has focused on advancing democ- racy and freedom in Venezuela,” Ven- ezuela Affairs Unit Chargé d’Affaires James Story said. “Her imaginative efforts have proven effective in creating a space for the new generation of Ven- ezuelan leaders to fight for democracy and a better future for all Venezuelans.” Over the past several years, Ven- ezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has undermined demo- cratic institutions, culminating in 2019 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARDS “This award demonstrates that the Foreign Service values innovation, striving to make positive change despite all obstacles and making our institution better. Constructive dissent is not always easy, but sometimes it is simply the right thing to do.” –Moises Mendoza Nora Brito. AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA