nkralev, Author at Washington International Diplomatic Academy

Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

During her 32-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, Abercrombie-Winstanley was ambassador to Malta, consul-general in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, deputy coordinator for counterterrorism at the State Department, and also served in Iraq, Egypt, Israel and Indonesia.

Ambassador
William J. Burns

Burns is a former U.S. deputy secretary of state. During his 32-year Foreign Service career, he also served as undersecretary of state for political affairs, assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, and ambassador to Russia and Jordan.

Thomas Countryman

Countryman is a former U.S. assistant secretary of state for international security and nonproliferation. During his 34-year Foreign Service career, he served in Serbia, Egypt, Greece, Italy and at the United Nations, among other assignments.

Brianne Yoo, United States

“The instructors are truly role-models — not only professionally, but how they managed their lives throughout their careers is very admirable. Having access to them, listening to them and being able to follow up with any questions was really great.”

Dorin Suhan, Moldova

“For me this program was a great experience, because I want to work in diplomacy. In Eastern Europe, we don’t have such programs and opportunities to study deeply this sector of foreign policy.”

Nueva Viola Gacutan, Philippines

“I loved the program. It gave me a full picture of what diplomacy work is like. I learned a lot. The exercises were great, because they were very practical. My brother works at our Department of Foreign Affairs, and I’ll highly recommend the training to him.”