(Virtual) 2026 BPIA Madam Ambassador Program Induction Ceremony

Event: 2026 Madam Ambassador Virtual Induction Ceremony
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM EDT - 10:30AM ET 
Location: Virtual - Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227

Event Description:
Join us for the 2026 Madam Ambassador Global Virtual Cohort Induction Ceremony, hosted by the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc., Potomac (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc., Washington (DC) Chapter of The Links, Inc., and the Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA). This ceremony celebrates the induction of the 2026 Madam Ambassador Delegates as part of the Girls International Affairs Exposure Program.

The event is open to all Madam Ambassador Delegates, alumnae, friends, and family. It is a unique opportunity to honor and support the next generation of global leaders.

Details:

• Attire: Business Casual (Delegates/Mentors encouraged to wear blush but not required)
• Format: Virtual (Camera On Suggested)
• Zoom Background: Download and use this Madam Ambassador Zoom Background! 

Don’t miss this momentous occasion!

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Speaker Biographies

Ms. Linda Zango-Haley, International Business Executive, Advisor, and Consultant

Linda Zango-Haley is a seasoned marketing executive and strategic communications leader with a distinguished career in global brand management and consulting. She serves as President of The Haley Group LLC, a strategic marketing and communications consultancy where she advises organizations on brand positioning, international market strategy, and growth initiatives. Zango-Haley’s leadership record includes senior international marketing roles at one of largest multinational cosmetic companies, Coty Inc. most notably as the Vice President of International Cosmetic Marketing where she shaped global brand strategies and expanded market presence in over 68 countries. She was also the marketing director at Baruch College of the City University of New York at the  Weissman School. 

In addition to her corporate leadership, Zango-Haley has been active in nonprofit and community arenas including the International Women's Forum of New York, American Heart Association of New York. She currently serves on the advisory committee for the New York League of Women Voters. At the community level, she has been a member of the Links, Incorporated for over 37 years. In her capacity, she is currently the NGO Representative to the United Nations and has served as national chair of the Links International Business and Foreign Affairs Empowerment Program for Youth (aka the LIFE Program). She has also been the international trends and services director of the Links, Incorporated and served locally as a past-President of the Greater New York Chapter. 

Her expertise spans strategic communications, cross-cultural brand development, and executive advising, underpinned by a long history of driving organizational visibility and impact in both private and social sectors.

Paula Boland, President of United Nations Association - National Capital Area

Paula Boland is an attorney specialized in environmental law and international affairs. Although born in the United States, she received most of her academic and professional experience in Argentina. Paula worked for three years on regulatory and corporate compliance matters at the law firm of Klein & Franco in Buenos Aires. Her strong interest in the protection of the environment led her to the LL.M. program in Environmental Law at Vermont Law School, from which she graduated cum laude. Following a clerkship with the Environmental Enforcement Section of the US Department of Justice, Paula assisted a number of environmental nongovernmental organizations in the development of conservation projects to be carried out in Latin America.

Paula began her journey at UNA-NCA as a volunteer where soon she was appointed Chair of the Young Professionals, providing volunteer opportunities and engaging professionals and students in dialogue on the UN and international affairs. Paula joined the UNA-NCA staff, serving first as Program Director, and then as Executive Director. Paula received the UNA-NCA Evelyn Falkowski Volunteer Service Award and the United Nations Association of the USA’s 70th Anniversary Chapter Legacy Award. She has played a significant role developing and nurturing strategic partnerships, diversifying membership and expanding program activities. Paula serves as a regional representative of the UNA-USA National Council.