Arab Americans in Foreign Affairs Agencies Unite to Connect, Educate, and Learn

posted on: May 13, 2020

By: Emily Devereaux/Arab America Contributing Writer

Arab Americans in Foreign Affairs Agencies (AAIFAA) is a broad-reaching organization that extends throughout the U.S. Government, beyond the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The official federal employee groups welcome Arab Americans of all backgrounds, as well as anyone with an interest in the Arab World.

Recently, Arab America had the opportunity to discuss AAIFAA with Ms. Nadia Farra, who is Chair, and Dr. Charles Kiamie III, who is Vice-Chair.

Mission and Projects

Overall, AAIFAA‘s mission is to increase networking opportunities and job opportunities in U.S. government foreign affairs agencies for Arab Americans. The groups also work to educate and promote Arab culture among all communities and celebrate cultural diversity with the U.S. government. The group is not exclusive to Arab Americans only; anyone interested in the Arab world or the Arabic language is welcome.  Many members have traveled to or served in the Arab world and enjoy Arabic cuisine!

The group promotes Arab-American interests, primarily by actively advocating in favor of diversity and inclusion within the federal government for Arab Americans and highlighting their accomplishments.  AAIFAA increases diversity in the inner ranks of foreign affairs agencies by encouraging candidates from more diverse backgrounds, as well as influencing the hiring process along with other U.S. government affinity groups.  Additionally, the organization works to educate and recruit students, including Arab Americans, for employment opportunities within U.S. foreign affairs agencies.

However, AAIFAA’s work on increasing diversity in foreign affairs agencies gets at the heart of the group’s purpose.  Third-party studies have sought to quantify diversity in the upper ranks of many foreign affairs agencies.  Several of these have found that leadership does not necessarily reflect America’s diversity.  In order to diversify the ranks, agencies are changing how they hire, retain, and promote  Arab Americans and others under-represented in the foreign affairs community. 

AAIFAA’s work is not solely focused on the demographics of foreign affairs agencies.  The group also helps to foster a professional community in which inclusive public service is a noble cause.  The organization also celebrates the diversity within the Arab-American community.  Its Arab-American members have ties to all parts of the Arab world, from North Africa to the Levant to the Gulf, and other members have an interest in the region and are welcomed as equals.  Additionally, AAIFAA celebrates the diversity of the Arab-American community by educating others on a community whose engagement in foreign affairs is as old as the United States itself.

Arab American Heritage Month 

April marked National Arab-American Heritage Month!  Typically, AAIFAA would have commemorated the month with a cultural and professional networking celebration, but the prohibition against public gathering has put plans on hold.  The group would normally be joined by Arab-American figures from outside the government, from chefs to musicians and entrepreneurs – and beyond.

AAIFAA hosts various events and activities year-round and not just in April.  In past years, the groups have hosted networking events that promote professional growth for its members.  Ms. Farra and Dr. Kiamie see National Arab-American Heritage Month as a way to overcome obstacles to diversity, which they share with their audiences, whether they are of Arab ancestry or not – and emphasize that obstacles to diversity are best overcome together.

However, one of the greatest draws of celebrating Arab-American Heritage Month, especially for AAIFAA, is the idea of being together.  Employees in foreign affairs agencies are dispersed all over the Washington, D.C., region, and around the world, which makes the ability to connect with colleagues even more important.

The overall goal of celebrating Arab-American Heritage Month is to connect with both Arab Americans and attract people from other employee groups throughout the U.S. government to educate on the engagement of Arab-Americans in government for centuries.  Arab-American Heritage Month is not just about representation but is also  AAIFAA’s opportunity to connect, educate, and come together with all who celebrate the community’s contributions to American political life.

Coalitions with Other Employee Groups

There are dozens of official employee groups recognized within U.S. Government foreign affairs agencies.  These organizations coordinate closely to improve diversity and inclusion, helping to make the government more representative of its people and putting talent to work on some of the country’s greatest foreign policy challenges. 

Working with other affinity groups helps AAIFAA learn and to grow alliances for shared goals.  These groups work together on coordinating policy initiatives and work on behalf of all employees.  AAIFAA also told Arab America how excited it is to continue its work with other organizations to help ensure that foreign affairs agencies’ hiring programs attract diverse candidates.

AAIFAA works to ensure that it is expanding diversity from the ground up, from interns to those occupying senior positions.  Its initiative is coordinated with leadership, including meetings with agency principals like the Deputy Secretary of State.

Engage with Diversity and Inclusion Every Day 

Ms. Farra and Dr. Kiamie both expressed their passion for promoting diversity and inclusion every day.  To do this, they suggest recognizing that each day, they have the ability to both teach and learn from others, within and beyond the Arab-American community.

Arab Americans are not necessarily “visible” minorities, all the more reason why AAIFAA organizes cultural appreciation events that reveal aspects of regional heritage without letting it solely define Arab-American members.  AAIFAA encourages members to promote diversity and inclusion daily by communicating with their neighbors of different backgrounds.  Ms. Farra and Dr. Kiamie further encourage that you make the effort to learn more about your neighbors’ experiences, build coalitions for shared goals, and engage in mentoring programs – as a mentor and a mentee, at any age.  

Advice for Aspiring Foreign Affairs Professionals 

Ms. Farra and Dr. Kiamie encouraged people to learn more about AAIFAA online and to reach out to the group with questions.  They also strongly encouraged interested individuals to network, virtually if not in person, as an important way of learning about the array of opportunities available to Arab Americans and others throughout the government.  Don’t be shy but instead to be direct about what you seek to learn – and ask about other contacts that can provide advice on the next steps for career growth.  Find a mentor, take advice, and learn from every experience. 

Through networking, visiting foreign affairs agencies, and frequently visiting sites like USAJOBS.gov, you will be able to meet others and ask about opportunities.  Get answers to your questions about foreign affairs jobs to enhance your career prospects – and serve your country as Kahlil Gibran implored in the New Frontier:  “Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country?”

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