“Being U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands was not just a job. It was a love story between a woman who didn’t fit the mold and a country that didn’t mind. I poured every fiber of my being into each aspect of the work….honoring my country, honoring this role and honoring our shared mission to further deepen and expand the historic relationship between our two great democracies across every conceivable topic. I was determined to show up as 100% me, bringing an energetic personality and lots of questions! I felt it was my joyful duty to do the goodwill of the White House and the State Department, and it was my privilege to learn about the history and beauty of the Dutch people, the Dutch culture and the incredible landscape. At my Mission, my overriding focus was to foster a culture of kindness, respect, service, acceptance, transparency and authenticity. A place where everyone at the Mission, whatever their job….felt deeply valued, everyone felt heard. I have always been aware that the effect one has on others….the way we make people feel….is the most valuable currency there is in life.”

Shefali Razdan Duggal
U.S. Ambassador, Retired
The Netherlands (2022-2025)

About

Shefali Razdan Duggal was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on September 20, 2022, and presented her credentials to King Willem-Alexander on October 19, 2022. She is the first person of color to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Prior to serving as Ambassador, Shefali was a San Francisco Committee member of Human Rights Watch, served on the Leadership and Character Council at Wake Forest University and was on the National Advisory Board of Inside Washington at Miami University of Ohio. Shefali served on the National Finance Committee of Joe Biden for President 2020 and was a National Co-Chair of Women for Biden. She has also served as a Deputy National Finance Chair at the Democratic National Committee.

Previously, Shefali served on the National Board of Directors for Emily’s List 2014-2020. She was a Presidential Appointee to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council 2014-2018 and served as a Western Region Advisor to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She has held a variety of positions in several national-level political campaigns.

Vision

My aspiration is to motivate others, in some small way, to become civically engaged. I sincerely believe that each person, from any particular diverse ethnic and socioeconomic background, can fundamentally make a positive impact within the United States.

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