|
E-mail: info@diplomatswashington.com
Address:4804 Enfield Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone:Phone: (301) 581-0500 Fax: (301) 581-0043
Who We Are The Diplomats' Washington Inc. is an independent organization dedicated to helping diplomats and international corporate personnel acquire the insights and tools necessary to work effectively with Americans, the Federal Government, private industry, and the American media. American movies and television have made the United States, its people, and Washington, D.C. seemingly familiar territory for everyone around the world, yet the stereotypic U.S. depicted by Hollywood and television is misleading. In reality, very few non-natives actually know the United States and Americans, and even fewer understand this country and its citizens. In no place is this more crucial than in Washington, D.C., with its kaleidoscope of well-recognized plus lesser-known backroom power centers, and its uniquely American inner workings. Most non-U.S. governmental and industry representatives posted in the United States are completely unaware of the deep cultural divide which separates them from Americans. Unfortunately, these unrecognized cultural differences actually determine whether one works successfully in the United States or not. Precious time, capital investment, and entrée are lost as these representatives unwittingly make mistakes and fail to understand the American professional arena. Determining the differences, and learning how to work effectively within the American system, take not weeks or months, but years. Often, the diplomat or international employee's posting is just about over when he or she finally grasps the system and becomes successful. A new replacement follows, and the frustrating, long learning curve starts all over. Time, money, and opportunities are wasted yet again. The Diplomats' Washington, Inc. works first to dispel the myths about the U.S. and Americans and then to illuminate the unwritten professional, social, and cultural expectations which can cause misunderstanding and frustration. Throughout its various seminars and workshops, trainers and expert speakers offer crucial insights into the American mentality, the American political system, the workings of Capitol Hill, and the American media. Seminar participants leave the sessions with the tools required to bridge the cultural gaps and to work effectively and efficiently in both the United States and in our Nation's Capital. There are many think tanks and organizations which offer theory; we provide our seminar participants with the practical information they need to be highly effective in Washington, D.C. and across the United States.
What We Do
The Diplomats' Washington, Inc. facilitates excellent working relationships between foreign governments, international organizations, multilateral institutions, and the people, organizations, and government of the United States of America. To do this, The Diplomats' Washington, Inc. sponsors various full-day seminars, half-day workshops and specifically tailored training sessions for diplomats and employees of international organizations which delve into the American mentality and professional culture to examine how Americans think, why Americans do what they do, and what diplomats and expatriates must do to successfully pursue their own missions in the U.S. The seminars and workshops feature proven, tested which plunge the participants into a typical American professional environment and engage them in an interactive atmosphere. Agendas always include opportunities to practice what is being learned and to work closely with other participating colleagues on various topics. Scheduled breaks allow the participants to meet each other, network, and explore potential links with other embassies, foreign missions and international organizations.
In addition to the actual seminars, The Diplomats' Washington Inc. also provides complete course notebooks which cover all of the full-day session topics and give extra tools for helping the participants throughout their posted time in the U.S. or in their dealings with American institutions and organizations. These notebooks have been repeatedly praised by past participants as their first source of information and help. The services of The Diplomats' Washington, Inc. also continue long after a seminar ends. Attending one or more of our seminars entitles participants to call upon The Diplomats' Washington, Inc. to ask questions, seek insight, or share challenges anytime during their stay in the United States. New services and seminars are constantly developed at the request or suggestion of past participants, and existing seminars are regularly upgraded and expanded, as the need arises.
Diplomats’ Washington Advisory Board
To ensure that the Diplomats' Washington, Inc. remains up to date with the most pressing concerns of the international community, our Diplomatic First Ladies Advisory Board meets regularly to discuss important and developing issues facing the Diplomatic Corps. In addition, the Advisory Board provides a forum for fostering cross-regional understanding and support. The Diplomatic Advisory Board is currently composed of ten Ambassadors' Wives, representing various regions around the globe. Mrs. Jacqueline King, Wife of H.E. Michael Ian King, Ambassador of Barbados Mrs. Gulnora Rashidova, Wife of H.E. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan Mrs. Shamim Jawad, Wife of H.E. Said Tayeb Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan Mrs. Maja Zbogar, Wife of H.E. Samuel Zbogar, Ambassador of Slovenia Mrs. Fabiola de Gallegos, Wife of H.E. Luis Gallegos Chiriboga, Ambassador of Ecuador Mrs. Laura Eloisa de Flores, Wife of H.E. Roberto Flores Bermudez, Ambassador of Honduras Mrs. Ellen Noghès, Wife of H.E. Gilles Noghès, Ambassador of Monaco
Diplomats’ Washington Founder and Executive Director Katherine Moss is the Founder and Executive Director of the Diplomats' Washington, Inc. A fifth generation Washingtonian, Ms. Moss has worked closely with U.S. Government entities, including the State Department, Congressional Staff, Washington-based media, as well as local governments and business leaders involved with international affairs. Ms. Moss has lived and worked abroad in France and the United Kingdom and speaks French, German and Italian aside from her native English. Combining her linguistic training with a deep understanding of Washington, D.C. and her experience working for several European companies and a major multinational company in the U.S., Ms. Moss brings a wealth of cross-cultural sensitivities and understanding to The Diplomats' Washington, Inc. and its clients. In addition, Ms. Moss' strong personal dedication to promoting and expanding constructive communication and cooperation between all nations as well as to enabling effective international commerce has infused The Diplomats' Washington, Inc. with a unique sense of mission. Ms. Moss served on the Protocol Advisory Board for the Mayor of Washington, D.C. from 2001-2005, sits on the Board of the Consular Corps of Washington, D.C., and serves as the Executive Director of the Society of White House Military Aides. She is an active member of the Capitol Speakers Club and has volunteered extensively with organizations promoting international business and social exchange. Ms. Moss regularly addresses national and international organizations on cross-cultural issues and protocol. Ms. Moss graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University's School of Language and Linguistics with a Bachelor of Science degree in French and Linguistics. She is qualified to teach French, Italian, and English as a Second Language (ESOL). She has traveled extensively around the world. Ms. Moss is married with three children.
|
