34 DECEMBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Reflecting on his award, Houston notes: “This award affirms the State Department’s commitment to one of America’s finest traditions: dissent. It also helps galvanize support for the ongoing efforts underway to implement and consider the recommendations of the dissent cable itself.” Houston’s career is an example of a steadfast commitment to addressing the complex and often controversial challenges of U.S. foreign policy. A former U.S. Army captain and combat veteran of the Afghanistan war, Houston brings technical and leadership expertise to his role as a diplomatic technology officer. His academic background, which includes studies in music, linguistics, computer science, and international relations, uniquely positions him to navigate the interdisciplinary challenges of the digital age. Since joining the department, Houston has served in Beijing, Panama, Mogadishu, and Washington, D.C., where he worked on cyber policy with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and provided IT support for posts in Europe in the bureau of Diplomatic Technology. David Houston’s contributions to digital diplomacy have strengthened U.S. foreign policy and demonstrated the vital role of technical expertise in shaping the future of diplomacy. W. Averell Harriman Award for an Entry-Level Officer Mariya Ilyas Fostering Unity in Divisive Times Mariya Ilyas, a politicalconed Foreign Service officer, has been named the recipient of the 2024 W. Averell Harriman Award for her initiative, courage, and leadership. Currently serving as a staff assistant to Ambassador Linda ThomasGreenfield at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (USUN), Ilyas has been a powerful but pragmatic voice of dissent since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel—challenging the U.S. government’s public messaging on support for Israel and, as chair of the employee organization American Muslims and Friends at State (AMFAS), undertaking sustained efforts to ensure that the State Department’s leadership hears the voices of Muslim and Arab employees. One of Ilyas’ key initiatives has been expanding access to employee consultation services for Muslim and Arab employees. While those services were initially restricted to employees serving in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv due to resource limitations, she successfully persuaded the Bureau of Medical Services to broaden their reach, resulting in bimonthly virtual sessions; more than 100 employees worldwide have participated, receiving essential emotional support. Ilyas conveyed these employees’ concerns over both U.S. policy and messaging to senior department leaders. “For me, dissent in the context of U.S. policy on Gaza came through community building,” Ilyas explains. “I wanted to support the people within the State Department—the individuals who come to work each day striving to make a difference.” Ilyas’ leadership brought the workforce together through employee-centered initiatives. Most notably, on Oct. 30, 2023, she gathered Muslim, Jewish, and Christian employees from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to host a “Moment of Silence in Unity and Peace” to honor innocent lives and stand together against hate. Ilyas delivered a livestreamed address at the C Street lobby of the Harry S Truman building where nearly 200 employees gathered. “Together, we stand united against hate and terrorism, in all forms; and we stand in solidarity for peace and justice,” Ilyas remarked. The event featured speeches from senior department leaders, including Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Richard Verma and USAID Deputy Administrator for Management and Resources Paloma Adams-Allen. Ilyas subsequently organized an interfaith “Gathering in Solidarity” on Nov. 29, 2023, building a coalition with leaders from 17 employee organizations to co-sponsor the event. The event featured speeches from Department Executive Secretary Dereck Hogan and Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins as well as readings from various religious texts, poetry, and an invocation. While serving as a political-military officer within the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Ilyas noted the risk that U.S.-made weapons could cause civilian harm in Gaza, expressing her concerns to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Deputy Secretary Verma, and Under Secretary Jenkins. Mariya Ilyas Together, we stand united against hate and terrorism, in all forms; and we stand in solidarity for peace and justice. —MARIYA ILYAS
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