MentorTalks: Diplomacy, Service, and Dance
Got 30 minutes? You’ve got a mentor! Join Jalina Porter, former Principal Deputy Spokesperson (PD SPOX) at the U.S. Department of State and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, on MentorTalks on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.
Former PD SPOX Porter will talk about her Peace Corps service and why laughter didn’t deter her decision to go to Cambodia, her near-death experience in the Kingdom of Wonder, her time as a staffer on Capitol Hill by day and cheerleader for the Washington Wizards by night, her transition to strategic communications advisor, and her role as the first African-American woman in history to serve as PD SPOX.
She’ll also take your questions! What would you like to ask Ms. Porter? Post in the comments on Facebook or LinkedIn, using the #MentorTalks tag, or email us at exchangealumni@state.gov, subject line: MentorTalks with PD SPOX Porter. You can also tweet your questions by tagging us @exchangealumni.
Then tune in June 14 on Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube, and we’ll see you online!
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Speaker Bio
Jalina Porter was sworn in as Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State on January 20, 2021. She transitioned out of the role on June 3, 2022. A seasoned communications professional, Ms. Porter previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives as Communications Director for former Congressman Cedric Richmond of Louisiana.
Ms. Porter began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Kingdom of Cambodia where she taught English in Ministry schools and worked with local and international nongovernmental organizations. She has also worked as a strategic communications advisor and trainer for elected officials, national security and foreign policy non-profit organizations, and global media and entertainment corporations.
Ms. Porter is engaged in leading civic and service-based organizations including membership in the Links, Inc., Council on Foreign Relations, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, National Peace Corps Association, and lifetime membership with the Girl Scouts. In 2020, Ms. Porter became a recipient of the prestigious Franklin H. Williams Award from Peace Corps headquarters for her lifetime commitment to public service and humanitarian work. Born in Louisiana and raised in California, Ms. Porter has also spent several years as a professional dancer.
Ms. Porter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Howard University and a Master’s Degree in Global Strategic Communications from Georgetown University.