THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2024 39 and facilitating immediate, effective communication. The tool has been widely adopted across 40 posts and was even mentioned in Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Modernization Agenda. “Miraculously, she connected all agencies despite technological challenges,” says Ambassador Dogu. “This multipronged tool allows immediate collaboration and conversation, flattens the organizational structure, moves items requiring clearance along much more quickly, and prioritizes pending work for the deputy chief of mission and ambassador—all without email attachments or paper.” In addition to her technical innovations, Sutcliffe has excelled in leadership and management within the front office support team. She focused on upgrading positions, prioritizing staff education, and creating detailed standard operating procedures to ensure seamless operations even in her absence. Her approach has fostered a high-performance, high-morale team that supports the smooth functioning of the large interagency embassy team. As co-chair of the embassy’s employee association, she played a pivotal role in reviving community spirit following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. When Honduras lifted its mask mandate in March 2023, Sutcliffe’s team used the embassy garden to host events, bringing back a sense of community and significantly raising post and community morale. An active member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Council, Sutcliffe headed Leadership Lab activities to encourage each office and agency to develop a capstone project. Recognizing that American staff traditionally had more access to senior leaders, she suggested and implemented monthly meetings between new locally employed staff and the ambassador and deputy chief of mission. “Local staff commented on how welcome they felt as they began their new careers at the embassy,” one colleague shared. “This initiative improved teamwork and morale across all agencies of the mission.” Sutcliffe also served on a recruitment panel, encouraging more than 700 potential candidates to join the State Department. As a subject matter expert for the Board of Examiners and an assessor, she ensured that the hiring process reflects the evolving complexities of the OMS role and that new hires possess the necessary qualifications. “She is shaping the future by building a more modern, diverse, and inclusive institution with the most qualified individuals,” a supervisor remarked. “Receiving this award is deeply meaningful to me on both a personal and professional level,” Sutcliffe says. “It symbolizes the collective effort of a team and the supportive environment we’ve cultivated at Embassy Tegucigalpa.” She adds: “This award acknowledges the impact of our collaborative initiatives, the advancements we’ve made in streamlining operations, and the commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to contribute to the Department of State’s goals.” Sutcliffe joined the State Department Foreign Service in 2016. She has served in Managua, Shanghai, and Mexico City, as well as serving on a five-month bridge assignment with Diplomatic Security’s COVID-19 response team. Before joining State, she worked as an executive assistant and event planner for a private equity firm in Chicago, Illinois. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and Spanish from Valparaiso University. Originally from Holland, Michigan, Sutcliffe is married with two children. Nelson B. Delavan Award for Foreign Service Office Management Specialist (Runner-Up) Diana H. Trinh Mentor, Leader, Advocate Diana H. Trinh, executive office manager at the U.S. consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City, has been recognized as the runner-up for the 2024 Nelson B. Delavan Award. Her dedication to community building; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts; and professional mentorship has improved morale and effectiveness at her post, reflecting the core values of an office management specialist (OMS). Receiving this award is deeply meaningful to me on both a personal and professional level. It represents a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and passion I bring to my role every day. —DANA SUTCLIFFE Diana H. Trinh
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODIyMDU=