Professional Development & Training
The Professional Development and Training Committee strengthens the public diplomacy tradecraft, leadership skills, and professional networks of PDCA members. The Committee oversees three core professional development programs—the Rising Professionals Program, Mentoring Program, and Kathryn W. Davis Public Diplomacy Fellowship Program—while also developing new training and mentoring opportunities and supporting external diplomatic leadership initiatives.
Led by co-chairs Josh Manley and Vivian Walker, the Committee draws on the expertise of PDCA members to expand opportunities for professional learning and knowledge-sharing. It regularly assesses existing training programs, solicits member input, and identifies new approaches to strengthen public diplomacy skills and prepare the next generation of practitioners.
The Rising Professionals
The Rising Professionals Program provides early-career public diplomacy professionals with opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners, expand their professional networks, and gain firsthand exposure to the field. Activities include visits to embassy public affairs sections, career roundtables with senior public diplomacy experts, and study groups exploring emerging issues and trends in public diplomacy.
The Mentoring Program
PDCA’s Mentoring Program connects Rising Professionals with experienced members who can offer career guidance, professional perspectives, and practical advice on building a career in public diplomacy. Rather than relying on formal assignments, the program encourages Rising Professionals to identify potential mentors through the PDCA Member Directory based on their interests, experience, and professional goals, and to initiate mentoring relationships directly.
The Kathryn W. Davis Public Diplomacy Fellowship Program
In partnership with the Council of American Ambassadors, PDCA members mentor participants in the Kathryn W. Davis Public Diplomacy Fellowship Program. Endowed by Kathryn R. Davis, distinguished scholar, author, and philanthropist, the fellowship provides specialized training and mentoring to outstanding public diplomacy officers selected through a competitive process. The program combines on-the-job professional development, academic study, and individualized mentoring to deepen participants’ expertise and prepare them for leadership roles in public diplomacy.
External Leadership and Training Initiatives
PDCA extends its professional development mission through partnerships with partner organizations. These initiatives additional opportunities for training, professional exchange, and leadership development. Partners have included American Councils for International Education and the USC Center on Public Diplomacy.
In the photo, Ambassador Brian Carlson, a PDCA board member, reviews the history of public diplomacy with a graduate class at American University chaired by Ambassador Anthony Wayne. Photo c/o Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne.