Name: Maria
School: Howard University
Major: International Relations and Development, African Studies (Post Graduate)
Program: Cooperative Education Program
Bureaus: Bureau of Consular Affairs- Washington, D.C. - United States
Bureau of African Affairs- Embassy Nairobi- Nairobi, Kenya
East Africa Office of the Inspector General- Rosslyn, Va.- United States

I always wanted to work in the foreign policy arena and (hopefully) make a difference one day. As a little girl, I remember hearing [former Secretary of State] Henry Kissinger's voice and seeing him carry the power of the world on his shoulders. I wanted to be like him and my middle namesake, Indira Gandhi.

I have worked in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, in the Office of Children's Issues as a Citizen Services Specialist and Country Officer, assisting the left-behind parents whose children have been wrongfully removed from the United States. I was also an intern in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Bureau of African Affairs. Currently, I am with the Office of Inspector General, learning many facets of the Department through research, interviews and inquiries.

My most memorable experience was being an intern in Nairobi. As I was there during the changing of guards, the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission entrusted me to fill in the gaps of the Foreign Service Officers that were coming and going on vacation. This experience helped me to gain more confidence in my abilities and skills. It also enabled me to see a different side of the Foreign Service and fully appreciate all that it takes to run a mission smoothly and negotiate sensitive matters diplomatically.

Find out more about the Cooperative Education Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer.