Employer Panel: Cultural Diplomacy at the Subnational Level
Thursday, October 22, 2026
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
When: Thursday, October 22nd 2026, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Location: Elliott School of International Affairs, Lindner Commons (Room 602), 1957 E Street Northwest, Washington, D.C
Think global affairs careers only happen at the State Department or the UN? Think again. Join us as GSS hosts an employer panel discussion on Cultural Diplomacy at the Subnational Level with conversation with professionals shaping international engagement right here in DC — through cultural diplomacy, city government, global convening, and even sports.Hear from leaders at the DC Secretary of State's Office of International Relations, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Meridian International Center, and more as they share how they turned an international affairs background into unconventional, high-impact careers.Walk away with a broader map of where IR skills apply, insight into nontraditional entry points, and direct access to professionals hiring for this work.Panelists include:
Grace Kim, Goodwill Ambassador Program, National Cherry Blossom Festival
The Honorable Kimberly A. Bassett, Secretary of State, District of Columbia- Office of International Affairs
TBD, The Meridian International Center
TBD, Sports Diplomacy
Attendees will learn about:
Mapping the landscape of subnational diplomacy careers beyond the State Department
How cultural and public diplomacy function as tools of city/regional branding and soft power
How formal municipal/state-level international relations offices operate and engage with foreign consulates, delegations, and international partners (i.e. protocol, visits, MOUs, sister-city agreements)
Transferable skills and entry points for breaking into these fields, employer advise and skills needed in this area
AGENDA3:30-4:30- Panel/Discussion 4:30- 5PM- NetworkingESIA NO-SHOW POLICY IS IN EFFECTIn order to ensure the effectiveness of the services offered by the Elliott School's Graduate Student Services and maintain professionalism and courtesy between graduate students, alumni, professional staff, and our Employer Partners, the No-Show Policy is in effect for this event.