 Good morning everyone. My name is Jelena Porter and I serve as the Principal Deputy Spokesperson here at the Department of State. I'm also a proud alumna of Howard University. It's my honor to welcome you all back to the second day of our 13th annual HBCU Foreign Policy Conference. Nothing brings me greater joy than speaking on behalf of HBCUs in my current capacity. Our institutions have paved a robust legacy of leaders in African-American diplomats, including my fellow Bison and Delta Sororor, Ambassador Patricia Robert Terrace, Civil Rights Activist and Lincoln University graduate ambassador Franklin H. Williams and Ambassador Teddy Taylor, a Florida A&M University alum. During today's program, you'll hear from our recruiters, diplomats in residence, and student program coordinators. Before we begin today's sessions, I'd like to share a little bit about my HBCU story and why pouring into HBCU students helped shape the next generation of foreign affairs professionals. As a Louisiana native, I always dreamed of my career taking me all around the world. It was during my time at Howard University that led me on the path that I'm on today. At Howard, I leaned into staying a lifelong learner and also being curious and fearless enough to learn about the rest of the world and more importantly have the rest of the world learn about me and others like me. It is imperative that HBCU alumni at the department tell the story of the American people abroad as well as at home. Our legacies are so important and you never know who you might be inspiring to take a similar career path. Since my time at the department, there has been significant progress to messaging to both local and global audiences about the importance of African American voices in diplomacy. You might be wondering, what does a leading legacy for aspiring diplomats for HBCU students look like? It looks like taking a stand against social and racial injustices in your community. It may also look like writing a policy to enact change in your hometown. It can also look like signing up for people-to-people exchange and leaving your family for the first time. Leading by example is an age-old phrase that speaks truth to power today. If we want to be the change, we must take the first step. Ambassador Terrence Toddman took that first step by leading a legacy of change and desegregating the State Department's white-only cafeteria. The legacy of HBCUs has been ingrained into our country as institutions of higher learning dedicated to the advancement of African Americans. HBCUs play an invaluable role in the black community here in the United States as well as abroad. The department wants to tell the story and we seek talent from HBCUs to continue this legacy. Leading a legacy for future diplomats means speaking out on policies, processes, and inequities that don't always provide a seat at the table. As a late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said, if they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. This is what it means to be legacy-driven to shift the culture of diplomacy moving forward. I welcome students studying international business and economics, computer science, mass communication, or even humanities and the arts to stay engaged and encourage regardless of if you are clear or not what path that you would like to take. If you're a parent, administrator, or friend, please know your role as a part of the support system during this process is highly invaluable. I hope this message leaves you encouraged and inspired to pursue a career in diplomacy. The legacy of black diplomats at the department was paved by HBCU graduates, which is an honor I'm proud to share. Thank you so much for your time and we hope to see you again after today's program.