Global Community Leaders meet with Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides

Nine global community leaders met with Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides this week to share their experiences improving communities across eight countries.

On Wednesday, August ^31st, the Deputy Secretary, along with Under Secretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Ann Stock and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Professional and Cultural Exchanges Lee Satterfield, discussed the community improvement work the leaders are undertaking through the Community Solutions Program (CSP).  

The leaders shared with the Deputy Secretary information about their background and the American host organizations with whom they are collaborating in the US.

“The time spent with the Deputy Secretary yesterday demonstrated how very important the fellowship is,” said Tovian Estella Nelson of Liberia, “I left important things behind in Liberia—my vote which is my voice in deciding our next leaders, and my work which I am so passionate about—but my time in the US is equally useful.”

These nine leaders are contributing their expertise and international perspective to eight different organizations in Washington, DC, including, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; National Congress of American Indians; Institute for Market Transformation; Search for Common Ground USA- Program on Race; Bureau of Land Management; Family Equality Council; Rock the Vote; and, America Speaks.

Rwandan leader Ariane Inkesha said, “Presenting us to the Deputy Secretary of State, on one of his rare visits to the exchange programs, showed us how important this program was, how its success will be a testimony of an effective and efficient use of the considerable resources that were deployed, and how those who designed it believe in our capacities to use at best the knowledge that we will gain here.”

Romanian leader Stefan Voinea added, “The visit at the U.S. State Department allowed me to reconnect with other CSP fellows and to engage in useful conversation with the State Department officials.”

For more information about Community Solutions Program leaders and their American host organizations please see their bios.

CSP is a professional development program funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX. The program is for the best and brightest global community leaders working in Transparency & Accountability, Tolerance/Conflict Resolution, Environmental Issues, and Women’s Issues.