The America’s Diplomats Speakers Series is designed to empower students and others to see themselves as the diplomats of tomorrow, and to reenergize those already in public service by highlighting the many ways their work matters. At a time when the need for effective public service is more necessary than ever, America’s Diplomats offers an honest and compelling window into the lives of those who have shaped U.S. foreign policy across regions, decades, and administrations.

Join us for a conversation with Ambassador (ret.) Kamala S. Lakhdhir, a former senior U.S. diplomat with more than three decades at the forefront of American foreign policy. She has served as U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia and Malaysia, and as Executive Secretary of the U.S. Department of State. In these roles, she led complex diplomatic missions, managed large interagency teams, and advised top U.S. leadership. Ambassador (ret.) Lakhdhir will share insights on modern diplomacy, along with lessons on leadership, resilience, and public service.

Learn more about America’s Diplomats and access our video library at Americas-Diplomats.com.

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Ambassador (ret.) Kamala S. Lakhdhir is a career U.S. diplomat who has served for over three decades in the Foreign Service, including as U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia and U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia. In these roles, she led large interagency missions, advanced the full range of U.S. national interests, and oversaw extensive diplomatic and foreign assistance programs.

Previously, Ambassador (ret.) Lakhdhir served as Executive Secretary of the U.S. Department of State with the rank of Assistant Secretary, where she managed the Secretary’s Bureau and coordinated closely with senior Department leadership, the White House, and interagency partners on key foreign policy priorities.

Over the course of her career, Ambassador (ret.) Lakhdhir has held a wide range of leadership roles in Washington and overseas, including Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, U.S. Consul General in Belfast, and Director of the Office of Southeast Asia Maritime Affairs. Her overseas assignments also include postings in Beijing, Jakarta, and Riyadh, as well as service as a Pearson Fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ambassador (ret.) Lakhdhir holds a Master of Science in National Strategy from the National War College, where she was a Distinguished Graduate, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies from Harvard College, graduating cum laude. She grew up in Brooklyn and Connecticut.