[Virtual] "Ready to Serve"

Leadership Seminar Series presented by the BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project

In collaboration with the Partnership for Public Service and the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS)

Thursday, May 20, 2027 | 6:30–7:30 PM ET | Virtual

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227

Details, session PPT, zoom background here: https://iabpia.org/Leadership-Project

About the Session

The Leadership Seminar Series concludes where it began: with readiness. Participants will reassess the roles for which they are genuinely prepared, identify remaining gaps, and consider how to translate their experiences into a credible case for future government service. The goal is not simply to want a political appointment. It is to know what responsibility you are prepared to carry and what evidence demonstrates that readiness.

What We’ll Discuss

• Identifying roles for which you are ready now
• Distinguishing between “ready now,” “next,” and aspirational roles
• Building evidence of management, policy, political, congressional, and implementation readiness
• Creating a two- to three-year public-service development plan
• The role of mentorship, sponsorship, and validators
• Answering the questions: Why you? Why this role? Why now?

Speakers

Alexandria J. Maloney

Senior Director, BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project

Alexandria J. Maloney leads the BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project and BPIA’s broader work to strengthen leadership, talent development, and readiness for public service. Her work focuses on preparing professionals not simply to enter foreign policy, but to assume responsibility within the institutions responsible for implementing it.

Stephenie Foster

Co-Founder, Smash Strategies | Former Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of State

Stephenie Foster has worked across government, advocacy, and law, including senior roles at the Department of State and as a longtime advocate for women’s leadership. Her experience spans public-service leadership, policy development and implementation, congressional relations, and navigating transitions into and out of government.

Emmanuel Ohiri

Vice President, Policy & Leadership, Black Professionals in International Affairs

Emmanuel Ohiri serves as BPIA’s Vice President for Policy & Leadership, supporting the organization’s national policy, leadership-development, and signature programming portfolio. His work focuses on strengthening pathways for professionals in international affairs to develop the knowledge, relationships, and leadership experience necessary to influence and serve in the field.