On Thursday, October 26, Ambassador Powell will address WACC members and guests over lunch as she presents a captivating perspective on strategies to modernize the U.S. diplomatic service, the role of diplomacy in today’s global landscape, and opportunities for individuals interested in a diplomatic career. Whether you are a seasoned diplomat, a student aspiring to join the Foreign Service, or simply interested in global affairs, Ambassador Powell’s perspectives will be both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Why does this matter? In this new global order, the U.S. Foreign Service plays an even more pivotal role in shaping the nation’s international relationships, security, and economic prosperity. It’s not just about representing America abroad; it’s about advancing America’s interests, promoting peace, and addressing global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and terrorism. In an interconnected world, the effectiveness of the U.S. Foreign Service is crucial in safeguarding American values, enhancing global stability, and ensuring a brighter future for us and generations to come.

 

 

 

Program Information: 

Date:
Thursday, October 26, 2023
VIP Reception and Check-In:
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch and Discussion:
12:00 – 12:30 PM
Location:
Charlotte City Club Directions to the parking garage (set your GPS to 116 W. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202)
Parking is validated
Cost: 
$45 (WACC Member Rate)
$60 (Non-Member Rate)
$35 (Young Professionals of the WACC Member / WACC Student Member / WACC Educator Member)

For non-online payments, please call 704-687-7762 or mail your check to (World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223)

 

 

 

Biography: 

Jo Ellen Powell is a career member of the United States Foreign Service who served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Human Resources (2016-2017), U.S. Ambassador to Mauritania (2010-2013), and Consul General in Frankfurt, Germany (2006-2009).  She grew up in a Foreign Service family, living in Panama, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, India, Iran, and Laos.  Her father, John Millard Powell, was a diplomatic courier and later administrative officer.

Ms. Powell earned her B.A. from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky and joined the State Department in 1976 as a civil servant.  She joined the Foreign Service in January 1980 and was posted to Amman, Jordan.  Following an assignment to the State Department Operations Center, she returned to the Middle East, serving as Economic-Commercial Officer at Embassy Beirut, 1983-84.  Subsequent assignments included Embassy Rome, the European Bureau Executive Office, and Embassy Paris.  In 1997, Ms. Powell served as Deputy Executive Director of the Executive Secretariat, supporting Secretaries of State Christopher and Albright.  From 1998-2001, Ms. Powell was Management Counselor at Embassy Canberra, Australia.   She returned to the Department in 2001, serving as director of the Office of Employee Relations in HR, then as Executive Director of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (2004-2006).

Ms. Powell served as Consul General in Frankfurt, Germany from 2006 to 2009.  She was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in 2010, serving there until December 2013.  Ms. Powell served as a senior adviser to the Director General from 2014 to August 2016, when she was appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resources, a position she held until June 2017.  She currently serves as the Executive Director to the Una Chapman Cox Foundation.

Ms. Powell is married to retired FSO Stephen Engelken. They have one son.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]