WASHINGTON, D.C. — On September 12, the Washington Educational and Cultural Attaché Association (WECAA) held its Fall Meeting in the Ronald Reagan Building. Diplomats, educators, cultural advocates, and leaders from non-profits came together for two hours of discussion, networking, and exchange of ideas.
Allyson Brown McKithen, Executive Director of the World Trade Center, Washington DC. opened the meeting, welcoming everyone to the space where diplomacy and culture meet. Jan Du Plain took charge as Mistress of Ceremonies and introduced each speaker with warmth and clarity, guiding attendees through the agenda.
At the Sept 12 WECAA event, DC Secretary of State Kimberly Bassett shared initiatives linking diplomats with local communities. @Wecaa_official @KimberlyBassett @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice @PatrickRealiza @HealthyLights @Popeson @gotebs @AmbMukantabana pic.twitter.com/Yqh8sb4pPv
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) September 28, 2025
Terry K. Harvey of Meridian shared how arts and sports programs foster cultural connections at the WECAA event.@Wecaa_official @KimberlyBassett @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice @PatrickRealiza @HealthyLights @Popeson @gotebs @AmbMukantabana pic.twitter.com/tC3xB0AIys
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) September 28, 2025
Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of State for the District of Columbia, spoke first. She outlined recent initiatives in Washington designed to deepen engagement between diplomatic missions and local communities. Immediately after, Terry K. Harvey, Vice President of Culture and Sports at Meridian International Center, described programs that unite arts and athletics, showing how shared experiences can build connections across cultures.
Professor Anita Schmied proposed ways diplomats can apply artificial intelligence tools to strengthen cross-cultural leadership, while maintaining human values in international exchange. She referenced an article written by Jan HAVRÁNEK, DCM, Czech Republic Embassy. Alla Rogers, Director of Arts & Cultural Impact Programs at the Global Peace Education Network, closed the keynote segment. She invited participants to a streaming event on September 20 during Peace Harmony Week and shared examples from her work in Ukraine and elsewhere to show how culture can heal and unite.
Professor Anita Schmied shared how diplomats can use AI to strengthen cross-cultural leadership while upholding human values. @Wecaa_official @KimberlyBassett @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice @PatrickRealiza @HealthyLights @Popeson @gotebs @AmbMukantabana pic.twitter.com/mXh4a0OBRG
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) September 28, 2025
Alla Rogers of the Global Peace Education Network showed how culture heals and invited participants to Peace Harmony Week at WECAA September meeting in Washington D.C. @Wecaa_official @KimberlyBassett @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice @PatrickRealiza @HealthyLights @Popeson @gotebs… pic.twitter.com/Yn2cEwUg5Y
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) September 28, 2025
A dynamic series of speakers then shared updates on a variety of local cultural initiatives, demonstrating the rich tapestry of international programs in Washington, D.C.
- Amber Pannocchia, Director of Arts Education & Partnerships at Washington Performing Arts, (WPA) spoke about her organization’s work and her role.
- Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, Founder of the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights announced upcoming programs and extended thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser for her support.
- Kyle Poole, Founder of Unity Walk, reflected on the significance of the Unity Walk in building interfaith dialogue, especially in the context of the 9/11 anniversary.
- Dr. Gail Humphries, Dean Emerita, College of Fellows of the American Theatre, read from her new book, Stories of the Holocaust: Art for Healing and Renewal, and
- Felice Herman, Deputy Director, Woodrow Wilson House, offered a sneak peek of the “Fashion & Peace Diplomacy” initiative set for Spring 2026.
Additional speakers introduced their organizations, shared their missions, and showcased the wide range of initiatives at the event @Wecaa_official @KimberlyBassett @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice @PatrickRealiza @HealthyLights @Popeson @gotebs @AmbMukantabana @isabellevladoiu… pic.twitter.com/6E0jVzX31w
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) September 28, 2025
Several other speakers also introduced their organizations and shared insights into their work during the WECAA meeting on September 12, 2025 @Wecaa_official @KimberlyBassett @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice @PatrickRealiza @HealthyLights @Popeson @gotebs @AmbMukantabana… pic.twitter.com/TW00HvblNl
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) September 28, 2025
The presentations continued with updates on education and the arts. Dr. Elizabeth Torres, CEO of Washington Global Public Charter School, detailed the award-winning, multilingual curriculum at her school. Madeline Y. Lawson, Founder and Chair of the International Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., announced her annual signature breakfast for January 18, 2026, while Amy Austin, CEO/President of Theatre Washington, highlighted the vibrant D.C. theatre community. Ana Harvey, President/CEO of Dupont Underground, shared exciting news about the expansion of local cultural venues, including a new 200-seat theater. Karina Hou, Vice President of the Chinese American Museum, Washington D.C., wrapped up the presentations by previewing the Chinese American Museum’s events and an upcoming exhibition on Mozambican culture.
The final speakers shared their organizations’ initiatives and insights, giving a deeper view of the work presented at the event. @Wecaa_official @KimberlyBassett @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice @PatrickRealiza @HealthyLights @Popeson @gotebs @AmbMukantabana pic.twitter.com/WCQgRsoQBz
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) September 28, 2025
WECAA members were delighted to welcome H.E. José Luís Guterres, Ambassador of Timor-Leste (a recent ASEAN member), and H.E. Kassoum Coulibaly, Ambassador of Burkina Faso, both representing their nations to the United States, as they participated in the association’s activities.
As the event drew to a close, the room was filled with productive chatter. Professionals exchanged ideas and contact information, leaving with a sense of shared purpose. The meeting successfully forged new relationships and generated fresh momentum for cultural diplomacy, reinforcing WECAA and the city’s role as a leader in international exchange.
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