When is the application period?

The application period typically opens at the end of the year and closes during the first week of January. At the moment, the application period is closed. Please check back in December 2025 when applications reopen. This year's program runs from January to May 2025.

What is the selection criteria?

Young ladies ages 13-21 based in the DC/MD/VA area with an interest in international affairs. We do consider applications for candidates outside of the DC area. All delegates are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation during the program. There is no cost to submit the application and no cost to participate in the program.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Questions may be emailed to madamambassador@iabpia.org.

OUR MISSION

OUR MISSION

The United States workforce and international affairs field at large is facing major challenges in addressing diversity in recruiting and retention efforts. The Madam Ambassador Program supports the preparation and exposure of diverse students for career paths in the U.S. foreign service and the international affairs field.

The challenge of lack of funding for diversity programs threatens the existence of programs such as Madam Ambassador that are committed to increasing and preparing diverse talent in our field. Our post-program evaluation highlights the impact and exposure of the program learning objectives.

In January 2023, BPIA launched the first cohort of the Madam Ambassador International Career Exposure Program. This program educates a group of young ladies ages 13-21 in the Arlington/Alexandria Virginia area.

[Delegates participating in the State Department Model United Nations Summit in Washington DC]. 

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Exposure to leadership development from world leaders including U.S. and international ambassadors
• Learn international affairs career paths, cultural and social etiquette, attire, and more
• Gain insights into the pillars of democratic instutitions
• Engage with diverse leaders at the US Department of State and other agencies to learn leadership lessons
• Develop S.M.A.R.T. strategies toward academic career and personal goals
• Develop skills such as elevator pitch, personal brand building, and building a professional network
• Identify and build a professional network

[Delegates participating in the 2023 Garden Party Celebration hosted by Saudi Ambassador to the US HRH Princess Reema Al Saud]  

CHECK OUT THE MADAM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM 

RECAP VIDEO 

PAST SESSIONS HAVE INCLUDED 

• Interactive International Career Paths Seminar
• 1:1 Mentorship with International Affairs Professionals 
• Building your Dream Career Vision Board Session
• Dress for Success and Cultural Etiquette 
• Participating as a delegation at the annual State Department's Model United Nations Conference hosted by UNA-NCA and meeting senior-level officials
• Afternoon Tea Garden Party hosted by Saudi Ambassador to the United States, HRH Reema bint Bandar Al Saud AND DACOR
• NATO Exposure Briefing Day ft. NATO leaders
• Meeting women leaders of color across industries

[Madam Ambassador Delegates participating in a Diplomatic Simulation hosted by the Meridian International Center's DiplomacyRISE program featuring Meridian VP of Diplomatic Engagement & BPIA Advisory Member Frank Justice, Guest Speaker MJ Crawford, and BPIA Advisory Member Tammie Smiley.]

[2024 Delegates participated in a NATO Day Briefing with Founding Co-Chair of the BPIA Diplomatic Council Shawanesh Underwood, and US State Department NATO Washington Summit Senior Advisers LeAnne Noelani Howard Torrey Taussig, PhD, and Katie Nutt.] 

2023 Closing Garden Party Ceremony hosted by Saudi Ambassador HRH Princess Reema Al Saud.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

Michelle C. Washington 

Program Co-Chair

Morgan Mickle

Program Co-Chair

Alexandria J. Maloney

Program Founder

Tammie F. Smiley

Program Adviser

Oona Nelson

Mentor

Ethel Mwedziwendira

Mentor

Jasmine Mitchell 

Mentor 

Mentor 

Mentor 

Mentor 

Mentor 

Mentor 

2025 COHORT

D.C. Cohort

Addyson Mitchell

Aicha Lo

Anani Geleto

Annalise Richardson

Aniya Ty McIver

Assemoy Manarbekova

Arisemma Sophia Okrah

Aziza Thomas

Bethsaida Gizaw

Christiane Morton

Claire Elizabeth Tate

Delina Afewerki

Dorothy Quanteh

Ellyn Victoria Chebet Kilimo

Eleyeou Marie Georgia Agbokou

Evangeline

Gabrielle McLemore

Gia Michelle Williams

Ivy Gomes

Jasmine Johnson

Jessica Persaud

Jillian Elyse Latham

Kaitlyn Smiley

Kaitlynn Joseph

Kennedy Christan King

Kennedy Elease Williams

Kerri-Lee Owens

Leena Nxumalo

Madison Faith Delk

Madison Smith

Maya Martin

Morgan Chanel Smith

Raegan King

Riley-Simone Muse

Sabry Tate

Shanaiya Miller

Sienna Correy

Sifa Karume

Sierra Flynn-Nesbeth

Soha Karim

Sydney Tate

Theryn Gray

Vanessa Soyla Mbella

Yewoinhareg Kebede

Zeinab Dembele

Zeinab Yassin

Zoe McClendon

Zori Brown

2024 COHORT

Abigail Taylor

Evangeline Billips

Gia Michelle Williams

Julie Tendo

Karson Nicole Smith

Kat Bricourt

Klonese Aisha Williams

Lauren K. Harris

Lillian Magdalena Aguirre

Makay abdimajid shale

Meagan McKinney

Namara Mugamba

Nyiohbe Anxe Reyes

Obaahemaa Mensah

Priya Rubio

Sabry Tate

Sahara Abdimajid Shale

Savannah Daley

Shanaiya Miller

Sienna Rollins

Stephanie Bityeki

Susan Shale

Sydney Tate

Taylor Elizabeth Kyei

Vivienne Taliaferro Price

Zahra Rahimi

2023 COHORT

Adonya Hailu

Chisom Kelechi

Elena Motayne

Eloah M Makassi

Jasmine N Tucker

Jordyn DePina

Kaffe (Kathy) Grimes

Kaffe Grimes

Kennedy Cordle

Leah Mann

Mariah A. Williams

Nyiohbe Reyes

Priscilla Adarkwa

Sabry Tate

Sama Kubba

Taylor C. Gibbs

Watscia Duke

Zoie Richelieu