THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2024 35 The consequences of Ilyas’ advocacy efforts have reached beyond the walls of the State Department. She played a critical role in persuading the Office of International Religious Freedom to publish the office’s first-ever cable addressing Islamophobia to educate foreign governments on the importance of combating rising hate against religious minorities. Working closely with White House liaisons, she also facilitated a global listening session for AMFAS members and collected feedback from more than 70 individuals, which directly informed the Biden administration’s first-ever National Strategy to Combat Islamophobia. Building on months of work, Ilyas invited Secretary Blinken to break bread with Muslim employees at an iftar event on April 8, 2024, during Ramadan. Secretary Blinken applauded her initiative in organizing the event and commended her service to the department and the country. “I am proud to be your colleague,” he said. “Your leadership to bring us together, even in the most difficult times, is in the highest tradition of service to this department as well as to this country.” From her early days as a Fulbright Scholar in Türkiye, to her time as a consular officer in Amman and Doha, to her current role at the USUN, Ilyas has consistently demonstrated initiative, courage, and leadership, showing how public servants can challenge the status quo, advocate for inclusive policies, and support their colleagues in trying times. William R. Rivkin Award for Constructive Dissent by a Mid-Level Officer Konrad Turski, Caryl Tuma, Emily Green, and Michael Casey Communicating Concerns in a Sensitive, Fast-Moving Situation Konrad Turski, Caryl Tuma, Emily Green, and Michael Casey have been selected as co-recipients of the William R. Rivkin Award in recognition of their efforts, initiative, and leadership in the face of an evolving and sensitive situation. Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, they—along with their colleagues—used their resources and information on the ground to provide Washington accurate details and thoughtful analysis on the various and often conflicting U.S. policy interests and priorities. Over the next few months, policy discussions progressed about Mariya Ilyas presenting at a State iftar event she helped organize in April 2024.
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