Young Leaders & Board Reception in Washington, DC

On September 18th, 2024, the French-American Foundation–United States welcomed Young Leaders, Alumni, and members of the Board of Directors for an evening of retrouvailles, in-depth discussion, and celebration of Franco-American friendship.

Generously hosted by the French Ambassador to the United States Laurent Bili at his residence in Washington, DC, the event opened with a panel discussion led by Young Leader alumni Sara Aviel (YL 2020 and President & CEO of the Inter-American Foundation); Ian Brzezinski (YL 2001 and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council); Emily Horne (YL 2022 and Founder & CEO of Allegro Public Affairs); and Adam Hodge (YL 2019 and Managing Director of Bully Pulpit International).

The group discussed the impact that the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election results may have on the transatlantic alliance, and covered a wide range of critical issues: threats to democracy and combatting disinformation; the West’s support of Ukraine and strategies for countering Russian aggression; China’s growing global influence and the implications for U.S.-EU economic cooperation; the conflict in the Middle East; elections across the EU, and U.S. and Europe cooperation on fighting climate change. The panel was a candid, in-depth and comprehensive view of how the upcoming U.S. election could reshape the transatlantic alliance and the global balance of power.

We then had the honor of hearing from Ambassador Bili, who delivered a keynote address on the enduring importance of strong Franco-American relations and the state of the broader transatlantic alliance. The Ambassador highlighted the common challenges faced by both countries, emphasizing that, regardless of the election outcome, sustained dialogue and engagement between France and the U.S. are critical in addressing global crises and preserving our shared values of democracy and cooperation.

In closing, Young Leaders, Board Members, and friends of the Foundation raised a glass to French-American friendship and had the opportunity to hear from Kirsten Bartok-Touw (YL 2010) on what being an alumna of the Young Leaders program means to her, followed by Stephanie Oueda-Cruz (YL 2024), on what she looks forward to gaining from being part of an exceptional transatlantic network of leaders.

Special thanks to our hosts Ambassador Laurent Bili and the team at the French Embassy: Alexandre Babot, Raphaèle Bompard-Holley, Baudouin Carrard, Hugo Verges, Lea Vinel, Eliane Volkmann, Noah Walters, and Marie-Helene Zavala. We extend thanks as well to our guest speakers for sharing their knowledge and perspectives: Sara Aviel (YL ‘20), Kirsten Bartok Touw (YL ‘10), Ian Brzezinski (YL ‘01), Adam Hodge (YL ‘19), Emily Horne (YL ‘22), Stephanie Oueda-Cruz (YL ‘24).