“When I first graduated from college, I was a consultant in the private sector for a few years. I enjoyed the work and thought it was interesting intellectually, but I wanted to do something where I feel like I'm engaging with society, engaging with the world, and trying to leave whatever small imprint I can. I began working with the U.S. State Department in 2010 as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, and in that position, I have served mostly in the Middle East. I've done tours in Yemen, Jerusalem, Algeria, and Morocco, and I specialize in what is called public diplomacy. I like to say that we're the hearts and minds people. We engage with foreign audiences and inform them about U.S. policy. We do that through working with the press, doing interviews, producing social media, and educational and cultural programming and exchange programs such as the Fulbright Program. I really enjoy that engagement with foreign audiences, introducing them to American culture, explaining all the intricacies and weirdness of America, and learning the same about their cultures.