Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. State Department Cheryl Benton speaks with Kanual Singhal of Texas Women's University at the opening of the 2011 Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders. Below, Hershelle Gaffney of Bennet College asks Cheryl Benton a question.
The 2011 Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders opened on May 17, welcoming 36 students from 23 universities throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The students will engage in two intensive weeks of leadership training, specifically addressing this year’s theme, “Global Leadership in Times of Diminishing Resources.”
Cheryl Benton, deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Public Affairs, was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony. She explained the mission of the State Department and her role as deputy assistant secretary. In her address, Benton detailed recent missions to countries like Azerbaijan, explained careers available within the department and told the crowd how the department is able to function with limited resources. She also answered questions.
“I’m proud to say that I’m the new face of diplomacy,” Benton said about her role. After meeting with students, Benton said she was encouraged by their passion and goals. “The future of the globe is in really good hands,” she said.
In addition to traditional coursework, participants must develop a leadership prospectus and present it to the group. For more information, click here to visit the Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders webpage.
