About this Event
Join the VCWA and Ambassador Capricia Marshall, President Obama’s former United States chief of protocol, as we discuss why diplomacy and etiquette matter on the international stage and in everyday life from a woman working in this field.
About the Book
History often appears to consist of big gestures and dramatic shifts. But for every peace treaty signed, someone set the stage, using hidden influence to effect the outcome. In her roles as chief of protocol for President Barack Obama and social secretary to President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, Capricia Penavic Marshall not only bore witness to history, she facilitated it. From arranging a room to have an intended impact on the participants to knowing which cultural gestures earned trust, her behind-the scenes preparations laid the groundwork for successful diplomacy between heads of state around the world and tilted the playing field in her team's favor.
If there's one thing that working at the highest levels of government for over two decades has taught Marshall, it's that there is power in detail and nuance—the micro-moves that affect the macro-shifts. When seemingly minor aspects of an engagement go missing or awry—a botched greeting or even a poorly chosen menu—it alters the emotions and tenor of an exchange, setting up obstacles rather than paving a way forward. In some cases, an oversight may put the entire endeavor in jeopardy.
Sharing unvarnished anecdotes from her time in office—harrowing near misses, exhilarating triumphs, heartwarming personal stories—Marshall brings us a master class in soft power, unveiling the complexity of human interactions and making the case that etiquette, cultural IQ, and a flexible mind-set matter now more than ever. When the notion of basic civility seems to be endangered, Protocol reminds us how critical these principles are while providing an accessible guide for anyone who wants to be empowered by the tools of diplomacy in work and everyday life.
Capricia Penavic Marshall
Author
Capricia Penavic Marshall serves as Ambassador-in-Residence at the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC. She is President of Global Engagement Strategies, which advises international public and private clients on issues relating to the nexus of business and cultural diplomacy. From 1993 to 1997, she was Special Assistant to the First Lady of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton. From 1997 to 2001, Ambassador Marshall served as Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary. From 2009 to 2013, she was Chief of Protocol of the United States, bearing the rank of Ambassador and setting the stage for diplomacy at the highest levels. Ambassador Marshall is a first-generation American of Croatian and Mexican descent. She has been named to ELLE magazine’s annual “Washington Power List” as one of DC’s most influential women.
Moderated by Matthew Hughes
Executive Director, International Relations Council
Matthew Hughes serves as the executive director of the International Relations Council, the World Affairs Councils of America affiliate in Kansas City.
Matthew’s professional experience bridges the education and nonprofit sectors. A K-12 teacher for six years and fluent in Spanish, he has worked with students ranging from age 4 through adult learners and has developed curricula, strategic plans, and trainings for schools and nonprofits. Matthew worked for three years with People to People International, supporting the development of international understanding in schools and communities around the world. He has served as board member and committee chair for a variety of organizations, including the World Affairs Councils of America, the Sister Cities Association of Kansas City, and the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City.
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Event Format: Webinar
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