50 DECEMBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Patricia Hanigan Scroggs Building a More Diverse Service from the Outside AFSA is proud to honor Patricia Hanigan Scroggs as the 2024 recipient of the Foreign Service Champions Award. This prestigious award, established in 2021, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service, demonstrating a deep commitment to the institution and positively shaping the future of U.S. foreign policy. Patricia Scroggs embodies the spirit and the highest standards of this award. With almost 40 years of service, both inside and outside the State Department, she has left an indelible mark on the U.S. foreign affairs establishment by fostering inclusivity and innovation in the recruitment of Foreign Service officers. Scroggs served as the director of diplomatic fellowships at Howard University until her retirement in January 2024, guiding fellowship programs that are transforming the workforce of the foreign affairs agencies. Following a 20-year Foreign Service career, Scroggs joined Howard University in 2006 to lead its efforts to administer the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program jointly with the U.S. Department of State. Over the next 18 years, she worked with State, USAID, and USDA to develop, administer, and expand the number and scope of high-impact diplomatic fellowship programs. Among her most notable achievements is successful leadership of the Department of State’s Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program and the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship; USAID’s Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship; and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service International Agricultural Fellowship and Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Foreign Service Fellowship Program. Howard University administers these fellowships jointly with U.S. government agencies through cooperative agreements. Behind her tireless work are two simple yet powerful passions: to make the Foreign Service more diverse, equitable, and open to new perspectives, and to attract top talent prepared to advance U.S. national interests. Throughout her career, Scroggs has been relentless in her advocacy, building relationships across the diplomatic establishment and working closely with AFSA, developing a nationwide network of individuals who help identify diverse talent for the fellowships, establishing innovative professional development and mentoring programs, and facing down challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and budget constraints. Patricia Hanigan Scroggs Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recognizes Patricia Scroggs (center) and then–Howard University President Sidney Ribeau at the Oct. 2, 2012, celebration of the Pickering Fellowship program's 20th and the Rangel Program's 10th anniversaries. AWARD FOR FOREIGN SERVICE CHAMPIONS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODIyMDU=