Evening of Diplomacy 2026

Evening of Diplomacy

Come join us for a simulated Embassy Reception filled with discussions, networking, and insights into the world of diplomacy and international careers on the campus of Brigham Young University. This annual brings together retired and current diplomats with students to share experiences and learn about public service and diplomacy careers.

Featured Remarks: Ambassador Elizabeth Fitzsimmons (ret.)

BYU Skyroom 6th Floor, Wilkinson Student Center/WSC

Light refreshments served

• Open to full-time BYU students
• Professional dress
• RSVP required -- space is limited

Sponsored by BYU Kennedy Center for International Studies + Foreign Service Student Organization

EOD 2026 Featured Remarks by Ambassador Fitzsimmons

Elizabeth Fitzsimmons is a retired United States Ambassador. She served as U.S. Ambassador to the Togolese Republic from January 2022 until June 2024. Under her leadership, Togo was selected for a Millennium Challenge Compact, included in the President’s Malaria Initiative, and hosted the historic first-ever visit of a US Coast Guard ship to the Port of Lomé, Togo’s capital. At the time of her retirement from the United States Foreign Service Elizabeth was the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations.

Prior to her appointment as Ambassador to Togo, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons was the Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs. Prior assignments include service as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of State, and Deputy Executive Secretary to Secretaries Kerry and Tillerson.

Elizabeth joined the Department in 1995, prior to her graduation from the University of Virginia, and at the time of her swearing in was the youngest member of the Foreign Service. She served overseas in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia, India, Bulgaria and Togo.

Elizabeth is a member of the Massachusetts chapter of the International Women’s Forum, on the National Board of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and is a member of the Leadership Council of Women in National Security. She is the recipient of numerous State Department awards and received a 2023 Distinguished Presidential Rank award. Her writing has been published by the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Foreign Service Journal. She and her husband, retired Diplomatic Security Special Agent Richard Seipert, have five children and five grandchildren. She is the founder and CEO of Diplomatic Dressing, a personal styling company, and her styling expertise has been featured in Alexandria Stylebook, The Washingtonian, Wardrobe Oxygen, and Foreign Policy.

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Host or Publisher David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies