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New Partnership Announcement 

The Madam Ambassador Program of BPIA is thrilled to welcome two new partners for 2026—the Metropolitan (DC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Potomac (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated—joining our Founding Partner, the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Together, these esteemed chapters will continue advancing the program’s mission to equip young women with the leadership, diplomatic, and global engagement skills needed to thrive in international spaces. This growing partnership network reflects the shared commitment of The Links, Incorporated and BPIA to empower the next generation of women leaders shaping the world.


APPLICATIONS ARE NOW LIVE! APPLY TODAY 

Deadline: December 19, 2025 


Who can apply? Young ladies of all backgrounds and cultural identities with an interest international, global, travel, study abroad are encourage to apply. No prior experience in international affairs is required. 


UPCOMING INTEREST MEETINGS 

Dec. 1 - Mentors Interest Meeting 

OUR MISSION - MADAM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM (MAP)

Mission Statement

The Madam Ambassador Program (MAP) empowers young women to lead with purpose, confidence, and global awareness. Through mentorship, leadership development, and experiential learning, MAP equips future diplomats, changemakers, and innovators with the tools to navigate diverse cultural, professional, and civic spaces. Our mission is to cultivate a generation of women who embody diplomacy in action — bridging communities, fostering understanding, and shaping a more compassionate and connected world.


Why This Program Matters Now 

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 (MAP) 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 programs threatens the existence of programs such as Madam Ambassador that are committed to increasing and preparing broad talent pools 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.  


Program 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

KEY DATES

    • Nov 10 - Delegates Application Open (In-Person & Virtual) (Apply Here
    • Nov 10 - Mentors Application Open (In-Person & Virtual) (Apply Here
    • Nov 17 - Delegate Interest Meeting (View Recording) 
    • Dec 1 - Mentors Interest Meeting (Register Here)  
    • Dec 19 - Application Deadline
    • Jan 12 - Decisions Announced 
    • February 2026 - Programming Year Begins 
    • June 2026 - Programming Year Ends 

*Program typically meets aprx. once a month


FAQ 

 QUESTION ANSWER
 What is the criteria of a delegate?  We are looking for delegates who have expressed in interest in international affairs. No prior experience is required.
 What is the criteria of a mentor?  A professional career path. No specific industry area is required. 
 What are the age requirements?  Ages 13-21. 
 If I am selected in the in-person cohort, are my travel and expenses included?  No, it is not. 
 Am I required to attend all session?   It is strongly suggested. 
 I am interested in being a mentor, where do I apply? (In-Person and/or Global Virtual) Apply here
 I am interested in applying to become a delegate, where do I apply? (In-Person and/or Global Virtual) Apply here. 
RECAP VIDEO: OUR PROGRAM SESSIONS

[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


PAST SESSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

[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, MPA - Intelligence and National ...

Michelle C. Washington 

Program Co-Chair

Morgan Mickle | SID-US

Morgan Mickle

Program Co-Chair

Alexandria J. Maloney

Program Founder

Tammie F. Smiley

Program Adviser

Oona N. - Public Affairs Officer - National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency  | LinkedIn

Oona Nelson

Mentor

Ethel Mwedziwendira - University of Mississippi - Washington, District of  Columbia, United States | LinkedIn

Ethel Mwedziwendira

Mentor


Jacqueline (Jax) Shelton

Mentor


Jasmine Mitchell 

Mentor 

Ryon Dior Lee

Mentor 

Haben Abrha

Mentor 


Kiana Cunningham

Mentor 


Maëlle Hunt

Mentor 


Kelly Scavella

Mentor 

PROGRAM PARTNERS


Meridian International Center - Wikipedia

United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA)


United States Department of State - Wikipedia

DACOR and DACOR Bacon House Foundation | LinkedIn


PAST COHORTS

Madam Ambassador Alumni may contact madamambassador@iabpia.org for access to the Alumni Intranet Site for resources and contact sheet. Madam Ambassador Alumnae are encouraged to continue participating and mentoring in the program. 

2025 COHORT

2025 DMV 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

2025 Global (Virtual) Cohort

Antima Gupta

Areeba Ishtiaq

Ayesha Awan

Chandler Ray

Christine Kangwa

Courage Markine

Daniela Ariana Manrique Gil

Deborah Abel

Ekondaho Ama Francesca Dassinie

Ehigbochie Alphonsus Onofelaga

Enoch Kiprotich Koech

Estefanía Victoria Robalino Guanoluiza

Ewubajo Bukola Anne

Krisha Bhagat

Kriti Lamichhane

Maureen Timothy Mhando

Maryam Muhammad Akram

Mugisha Françoise

Nabiha Fatima

Natasha Nyondo

Nicol Alexandra Condori Sarmiento

Powj Nyibong

Quemil Ebunoluwa Edun

Rahma Mohamed Mahat

Raji Rukayat

Rita Nyara Martin

Sierra Flynn-Nesbeth

Ubongabasi Peter

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

PARTNERSHIP: THE ARLINGTON (VA) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED 


This Program would not be possible without the generous contribution of the Arlington (VA) Chapter of the Links, Inc. 

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 17,000 professional women of African descent in 299 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

The Arlington (VA) Chapter of the Links Inc passionately and enthusiastically has served the local community for more than five decades rendering countless hours of volunteer service, promoting social activism, awarding scholarships and cultivating the Arts. Since 1966, their legacy of Friendship and Service continues to be a powerful presence in the Arlington and Alexandria communities. This presence is strengthened through the focused energy exhibited in the five program facets:

  • Services to Youth
  • The Arts
  • National Trends and Services
  • International Trends and Services
  • Health and Human Services

The Arlington (VA) Chapter prides itself on producing great leaders, and have the distinct honor of having three (3) National Presidents elected from its membership: Pauline Ellison (6th National President), Dolly Adams, Ph.D., (8th National President), and Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Ph.D. (17th National President). Worthy of note, Patricia Russell McCloud, J.D. (11th National President) was a former member of the Arlington Chapter where she was inducted into membership.


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