To demonstrate the U.S. Department of State's ongoing commitment to community engagement and refugee support, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Liz Allen will travel to Providence, Rhode Island. Joined by U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, the Under Secretary will tour Beautiful Day, a local nonprofit that produces and sells granola and other food items and provides training and employment opportunities for newly arrived refugees. This visit coincides with the first anniversary of the Welcome Corps program, a pioneering initiative launched by the Department of State and the Department of Health and Human Services in January 2023, which empowers Americans to sponsor refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Under Secretary Allen's visit aims to spotlight the vital contributions refugees make to U.S. communities and showcases their role in driving innovation and competitiveness on the global stage. The visit to Beautiful Day is a testament to the positive impact of American generosity and the spirit of welcome that defines our nation.
On Thursday, January 25, Under Secretary Allen will engage with students, faculty, and leadership at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport to discuss the vital role public diplomacy plays in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives and its intersection with defense strategies. She will also meet with State Department Foreign Service Officers currently studying at the Naval War College to highlight the collaborative training efforts between the Departments of State and Defense in promoting and safeguarding U.S. interests.
