On March 26th, 2010 WIPA officially opened its doors to the public with a groundbreaking

guest speaker event.  WIPA was honored to have Ms. Judith Baroody, Minister Counselor of Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Paris speak about her life and career in the U.S. Foreign Service.  Ms. Baroody exemplifies what we at WIPA strive to achieve in our professional and personal lives.

Ms. Baroody touched on her career as a journalist before embarking on her present path at the U.S. Department of State in 1985.  Her career with the Foreign Service has led her to countries throughout South America and the Middle East, including Syria, Israel, Morocco, Cyprus, Chile, and Iraq.

It was her posting in Syria that highlighted some of the challenges that women can face in a diplomatic career.  Before beginning her post, Ms. Baroody was uncertain of how differences in perceptions and values might affect her work there.  While she had yet to experience any significant challenges as a woman in a male dominated career path, she remained cautious as she began her new post.  Contrary to her concerns, Ms. Baroody discovered that she was treated primarily as a representative of the United States and not simply as a “female” official. 

Within the US Foreign Service, Ms. Baroody’s experiences marked a distinct change from the former status-quo.  Until the mid-1970s, female U.S. diplomats who served abroad were required to resign upon their marriage.  Despite the repeal of this rule, challenges facing couples serving overseas remain significant.  Ms. Baroody met her husband, a former officer in the US Air Force, while training at the US Foreign Service Institute.  In her speech she noted that though her husband’s career was able to successfully adapt to the constant moving demanded in the foreign service, the frequent changes presented a challenge at times.  This was particularly evident in Iraq.  As an unaccompanied posting, officers volunteering to work in Iraq are unable to bring their spouses or families with them.  Ms. Baroody noted that though the post was only for one year, the unique challenges of the environment made separation all the more acute.

Over 40 people attended this event, held at the MPA facilities in Paris.  Ms. Baroody’s speech was followed by a lively question and answer session as many people were eager to learn more about her experiences abroad.  Afterwards, attendees networked and chatted over coffee and croissants.

WIPA would like to thank the attendees who participated in this event.  We greatly appreciate your support of WIPA and it’s on-going initiatives. 

To read Ms. Baroody’s full bio click here.

To see photos of March 26th click here.