Washington, D.C. played host to over 60 guests—including diplomats, business leaders, emerging professionals, and members of the media—for an evening of meaning and momentum on March 28, 2025, as Diplomatic Watch Magazine, in partnership with the Chinese American Museum, convened a cross-section of women leaders, scholars, and advocates for the publication’s inaugural Women in Diplomacy event in the United States, an event filled with networking and thought-provoking discussions.
From the start, the atmosphere carried purpose. Guests arrived to a warm reception—light refreshments, music, and museum exploration setting a relaxed tone. The museum’s elegant architecture and cultural exhibits added depth to the experience, framing each conversation and connection with history and heritage.
"Whenever I'm asked what's most important in my life, I say: my mother." — Dr. Henry Lee
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) April 11, 2025
Renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee joined us as a speaker at the Women in Diplomacy event hosted by Diplomatic Watch at the Chinese American Museum. He praised the organizers and… pic.twitter.com/jDwFwUkCTs
Dr. Henry Lee, the world-renowned forensic scientist, set the tone with moving opening remarks. His words reflected deep admiration for women who shape families, professions, and international relations. “Whenever I’m asked what’s most important in my life, I say: my mother,” he said, drawing a direct line between personal values and public service. Later, he handed out thoughtful gifts to the event speakers, creating genuine moments of gratitude.
"We need to break the glass ceiling — in all areas."
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) April 12, 2025
Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee delivered a rousing keynote at the Women in Diplomacy event by Diplomatic Watch in Washington D.C..
Quoting Governor Wes Moore: “Leave no one behind.”
She reminded us: “We are great… pic.twitter.com/NJd4utYO0E
Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee followed with a rousing keynote that reflected her years of service and advocacy. Drawing on initiatives from Maryland and echoing Governor Wes Moore’s words, “Leave no one behind,” she called for shared responsibility in breaking barriers. “We are great multitaskers,” she told the audience, capturing the everyday strength of women in leadership. In a moment that bridged statesmanship and appreciation, she presented the Medal Seal of her office to Dr. Henry Lee, Chairman Philip Qui of the Museum, Diplomatic Watch Publisher Victor Gotevbe, and Vice President Pamela Gotevbe, who also guided the evening as Mistress of Ceremony.
A stirring viola performance by Dr. Dan Zhang, Professor of Viola at The Catholic University of America and Washington Adventist University, graced the Women in Diplomacy event hosted by Diplomatic Watch in partnership with the Chinese American Museum, Washington D.C. A moment of… pic.twitter.com/V0BZp25fMV
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) April 12, 2025
Musical performances throughout the night deepened the emotional rhythm of the program. Dr. Dan Zhang, Professor of Viola, Catholic University of America/ Washington Adventist University, offered a performance that combined technical mastery with heart.
A captivating performance by Rizwan Jagani, Principal Violist of the Classical Music Festival Eisenstadt, lit up the gathering. Artistry that resonated beyond the stage. @rizwanjviolist @SenatorSusanLee @KimberlyBassett @Wecaa_official @JanDuPlain @PatrickRealiza @BuchiMenkiti… pic.twitter.com/RFB7SEhCYv
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) April 12, 2025
Later, Rizwan Jagani, Principal Violist of the Classical Music Festival Eisenstadt, brought his multi-genre flair to the stage. His blend of cultural traditions and musical styles reflected the very essence of diplomacy—art meeting connection. Together, their final duet held the audience in a moment of stillness and awe.
Championing Human Rights: Women’s Leadership in Global Advocacy” At the Women in Diplomacy event, Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology’s National Affairs Office, delivered a bold call to action—amplifying the role of women at the forefront of human rights… pic.twitter.com/B9CJ9Ui08E
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) April 12, 2025
Voices of leadership shaped the core of the evening. Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology’s National Affairs Office, gave an account of her work in human rights. She shared personal experiences, bringing into focus the complex landscape women navigate in advocacy spaces. Her message called for resolve and ongoing action.
Sherrie Beckstead, Partner at The Lockkeepers Collection, brought a business and philanthropic lens to the conversation. She walked the audience through her journey, showing how female leadership can bridge cultures and create tangible outcomes. Her storytelling style revealed the strength that comes from merging strategy with compassion.
“Women, Trade, and Tying Central Asia Together: A New Silk Road Story”
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) April 12, 2025
At the Women in Diplomacy event, Elena V. Son, MBA, MIPP, shared how women are driving cross-border trade and connection across Central Asia.
From boardrooms to border crossings—her story is one of vision,… pic.twitter.com/h1cPjejC8V
Elena V. Son-La-Rocco, Executive Director of several U.S.-Central Asia trade councils, spoke next. Her perspective on regional commerce and diplomacy traced a new narrative of cooperation and growth. From the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce to initiatives in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, she described how women are changing the flow of trade across the New Silk Road.
“I am Diplomacy.”
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) April 12, 2025
With those words, Alexandria J. Maloney, President of BPIA, opened her talk at the Women in Diplomacy event by Diplomatic Watch on March 28, 2025
In “Intergenerational Diplomacy: Bridging Experience and Emerging Leadership,” she spoke on legacy, mentorship, and… pic.twitter.com/NdfYfz4FcL
Closing the speaker lineup, Alexandria J. Maloney, President of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA), stepped forward with conviction. “I am diplomacy,” she declared, inviting the audience to repeat after her. Her voice called for mentorship, legacy, and the power of emerging leaders. Her message, both affirming and visionary, resonated with those who see diplomacy as an evolving dialogue across generations.
A perfect harmony of talent and cultural expression!
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) April 12, 2025
Our Women in Diplomacy event concluded on a soulful note with a moving viola duet by Dan Zhang and Rizwan Jagani at the Chinese American Museum.@SenatorSusanLee @KimberlyBassett @JanDuPlain @Wecaa_official @rizwanjviolist… pic.twitter.com/FjikPxeOAc
The evening wound down with a final musical interlude, allowing guests to reflect, mingle, and explore the museum. Conversation flowed naturally, sparked by the energy in the room and the stories shared. Between performances, speeches, and quiet conversations under the museum’s soft lights, the gathering formed its own kind of diplomacy—organic, respectful, and lasting.
The event paralleled the global discussions from the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, where world leaders reviewed strategies for gender equality. But this evening in Washington D.C. created a different kind of space—personal, immersive, and local.
The Women in Diplomacy event succeeded in spotlighting lived experiences, encouraging cross-sector dialogue, and building an atmosphere where new connections could take root. As guests departed, it felt less like the end of an event and more like the beginning of a broader conversation—one carried forward by those in the room, each in their way.
