Press Room

Press Releases

Arab American to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs

Posted on Monday July 11, 2005

WASHINGTON -The Arab American Institute (AAI) is pleased by the Senate’s confirmation of Dina Habib Powell to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, working for the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

The office of the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs is the State Department’s principal agency for engaging and informing international audiences on the history, culture, and policies of the United States. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs devises and implements educational and training programs in order to forge greater mutual understanding between the United States and other countries.

“As a proud Arab American, Powell is uniquely qualified to serve as a bridge between the United States and the Arab and Muslim world,” said AAI President Dr. James Zogby. “The Arab American community holds Powell in high regard and views her confirmation as an affirmation of our community’s continuing contributions to dialogue between the US and the Arab world.”

As Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Powell will work directly with Under Secretary designate Karen Hughes. Powell’s priorities include addressing the continuing decline in international student enrollment at American universities, increasing the number of women and girls participating in international exchanges, and engaging the private sector in public diplomacy.

“With Powell’s appointment, President Bush placed a dedicated Arab American at the forefront of Administration policy formulation and implementation,” said AAI Chairman George Salem. “Powell is uniquely qualified to assume the important duties of this position. In addition to her intellect and abilities, she brings her unique understanding of the region as an Arab American, which will serve our nation exceedingly well.”

Powell currently serves as Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel, in charge of filling hundreds of jobs, including ambassadors, Cabinet heads, undersecretaries and commissioners. She has also served as Special Assistant to the President, Associate Director and Director of Congressional Affairs, and Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Powell, a graduate of the University of Texas, is fluent in Arabic.