A Gala End to My Summer Internship with DSF

On Wednesday, September 9th, my husband and I attended the United States Diplomatic Studies Foundation (DSF) gala at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C. DSF is a nonpartisan organization focused on preparing civilian leaders for diplomacy and foreign policy. After interning with DSF this summer and seeing the team’s dedication to its Peace Game exercises, courses, and this event, watching the gala come together was very rewarding. 

The highlight of the evening was a Fireside Chat with Amb. David Miller and Amb. William J. Burns, where they discussed the current condition of the United States. Amb. Burns emphasized that strengthening America’s relationships abroad may take an entire generation of diplomats and policymakers. As I begin the final year of my Master of Public Policy program at W&M, his words feel very sobering - but accurate. The evening absolutely inspired me, and I am more excited than ever to finish my degree and contribute to future American diplomacy!