Born in Baker, Louisiana, in the era of segregation, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield was the first in her family to graduate from high school. Growing up near a Peace Corps training center inspired her to join the U.S. Foreign Service, and since 1982, she has represented the United States all around the world, underscoring her belief that in confronting any global challenge, the first step is diplomacy.

Representative Meeks has been at the forefront of efforts to bolster America’s alliances and partnerships, recognizing the imperative of U.S. engagement on the African continent.

Senator Susan Collins the longest-serving Republican woman in the U.S. Senate history, incoming Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and an exceptional champion for America’s global leadership.

After being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, Senator Boozman quickly secured coveted seats on the Agriculture and Appropriations Committees. A long-serving member of the State Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, he has been a central player in ensuring America’s development and diplomacy tools are fully resourced.

As a combat veteran, I understand firsthand the importance of American leadership and the consequence of its absence, which is why the work that USGLC does is absolutely essential to the United States of America, and in a time of increased threats from emboldened adversaries, the United States must engage around the world and lead by example. And that will require robust diplomatic engagement…

I am the child of Civil Rights-generation parents who, right here in D.C. and in their time before in their HBCUs, were on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement. And what was amazing to me about these parents—and a lot of you all have them—is that they were relentless in making me love this country of which I was coming up…

And what USGLC has done for years and is doing in this moment is so critical to our country, to our engagement, to our leadership around the world. So first, thanks to you and thanks to your extraordinary leadership. So the bottom line is that’s why we’re here, for our fellow citizens. That’s our number one responsibility, and we have to connect what we’re doing around the world to the lives that they’re living, the needs that they have, the aspirations that they have, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do…

Raj Shah: Well, Sam, congratulations...

Liz Schrayer: He’s tough. I have to say this is pretty wonderful...