The USGLC, like so many across the country and around the world, is heartbroken today for the loss of our beloved friend and advisor, Secretary Madeleine Albright.

As our nation’s 64th Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright was a trailblazer, not only as the first woman to serve as our nation’s top diplomat, but as a fierce believer in the power of America’s global leadership. She was relentless in her commitment to the importance of diplomacy, development, and democracy – always advocating for how America can and must be force for good in the world.

As extraordinary as she was at the State Department, it was perhaps the decades since that illuminate her magic. With her boundless energy, smarts, and quick-wit, Albright was tireless in her pursuit to make the world a better place. A gifted diplomat, writer, and storyteller, she was devoted to making the case that what happens globally matters locally – always speaking out for why America’s civilian tools overseas are central to our national interests.

For USGLC, she was a game-changer, joining as a founding member of our National Advisory Council in 2004, honored by our coalition in 2011, and serving as one of our most trusted advisors. She participated in countless events and conversations to not only guide us, but to passionately advocate and educate Americans and policymakers on why America cannot turn inward. She would famously tell every room that “there is nothing foreign about foreign policy anymore.”

On a personal level, she was my inspiring mentor and dear friend teaching me about America and the world, and always plotting for the next idea of how we could make a difference. I loved talking with her about politics, policy and life, as she always had yet another story to tell or another project to do together. Of all our many dinners and calls – and more recently Zooms – perhaps my favorite memories will always be joining her each semester with her students at Georgetown. Not only was she the coolest professor on campus, but her joy never ceased in energizing the next generation about America’s role in the world.

Few have had such a profound influence. She truly led and lived what it meant for America to be the indispensable nation, and will be sorely missed.

May her memory be a blessing.