The World Affairs Council of San Antonio cordially invites you to join us on March 7th for the 2024 International Citizen of the Year Award Celebration.
Since 1985, the World Affairs Council has honored an individual who has significantly contributed to San Antonio’s growth as an international city. On March 7, 2024, the Council will honor and recognize Sherry Dowlatshahi
Your participation ensures the sustainability of programs the World Affairs Council of San Antonio provides the community, including educational programs for local youth. With your support, the Council can continue to promote crucial public understanding of world affairs while enhancing San Antonio’s participation in a global community.
Attire: This affair is black tie. Dark suits, long or knee length dresses are acceptable. Weather looks fantastic and dinner and reception will be held indoors.
Sherry Dowlatshahi
Ms. Dowlatshahi serves as Chief Diplomacy & Protocol Officer for the City of San Antonio heading up the Global Engagement Office from within the Economic Development Department. She oversees international business, protocol, and official global relationships. More specifically, she advises, assists and supports San Antonio elected officials and executives on matters of international affairs, public diplomacy and diplomatic procedure and protocol; is responsible for coordinating official foreign travel of Mayor and Council as well as planning the program of visits for high-level foreign dignitaries, consular & diplomatic corps members working closely with Mayor and City Council; ;and public engagement with local community business, cultural, civic, and higher education, diaspora and ethnic groups. She manages the award-winning San Antonio Sister Cities Program and works closely with Sister Cities International as well as community stakeholders to foster and maintain San Antonio’s official relationships.
Ms. Dowlatshahi has been recognized with Spain´s King Felipe VI Order of Civil Merit with rank of Officer's Cross as well as the Government of Mexico´s prestigious Ohtli Award, among others. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the World Affairs Council of San Antonio, the San Antonio Mexico Friendship Council and the San Antonio Mexico Foundation for Education.
Ms. Dowlatshahi currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the World Affairs Council of San Antonio, the San Antonio Mexico Friendship Council, and the San Antonio Mexico Foundation for Education. Additionally, she serves on the Global Advisory Council of Musical Bridges Around the World; is an Advisory member of the US Mexico Business Association (AEM) San Antonio Chapter, Anuja SA-San Antonio Chennai Sister City Alliance; Communities Aligned Baguio-San Antonio sister city alliance; and the San Antonio Creative City of Gastronomy Advisory Council. Furthermore, she is involved with international education initiatives in San Antonio serving on the Advisory Council of the CAST Schools’ Advanced Learning Academy, and the Alamo Colleges International Advisory Council. She is a member of the San Antonio Rotary Club serving on its International Service and Program Committees. She serves on the Honorary Board of Sister Cities International and represents the City of San Antonio in the German Marshall Fund’s City Directors of International Affairs Tran-Atlantic Network.
Ms. Dowlatshahi completed her undergraduate and graduate education in the UK at the University of Westminster in London and the University of Cambridge with study abroad at Alexandria University, Egypt, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico in Mexico.
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Robert M. Gates
Robert Gates served as the 22nd secretary of defense (2006-2011). He is the only secretary of defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected president. Dr. Gates served eight U.S. presidents across both parties. On Gates’s last day in office, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor. Before becoming secretary of defense in 2006, Gates was the president of Texas A&M University, one of the nation’s largest universities.
Gates served in the CIA for nearly 27 years, culminating his service as director of Central Intelligence from 1991 to 1993. He is the only career officer in CIA’s history to rise from entrylevel employee to director. He spent nearly nine years on the National Security Council at the White House, serving four administrations across both parties.
Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, has three times received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has three times received CIA’s highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.
Gates currently is a principal at the consulting firm, Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel, LLC, with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. Additionally, he is Chancellor of William & Mary, his alma mater. He has served on various public boards, to include Starbucks, the NCAA, the American Council on Education, and the Boy Scouts of America. Gates has authored four books, covering his experiences at CIA and at the Pentagon, leadership, and US nonmilitary instruments of power.
For questions please email: IC24@wacofsa.org
If you are unable to make the Award Dinner but still want to support Sherry Dowlatshahi, please use this link to Donate