Global Conversations: Tanzania in Focus

This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. 

Tanzania has long been viewed as a pillar of peace and stability in East Africa, and the country is renowned for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscape. U.S. partnerships with Tanzania have been defined by collaborations in development, education, environment, and security. However, this relationship is in flux following volatile elections and changing dynamics for international aid.

Global Minnesota is delighted to partner with the Landmark Center for a Global Conversation with former USAID Mission Director in Tanzania. V. Kate Somvongsiri, who will offer insights on the significance of this fascinating country and expectations moving forward. Guests are welcome to bring a bag lunch to this event, or to visit Jenni’s Cafe, newly opened in the Landmark Center!

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Speaker: Veeraya (Kate) Somvongsiri

V. Kate Somvongsiri is a senior executive in international affairs with 25 years of development experience in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. She was a career member of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Senior Foreign Service, retiring in September 2025 from her last assignment as Mission Director for USAID Pakistan. Prior to that, she served as the Mission Director in Tanzania (2021-23), Deputy Mission Director in Tanzania (2019–21), and Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (2017–19). Other postings include: Indonesia, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Washington. In recognition of sustained impact over her career, she was awarded a Presidential Meritorious Rank Award by President Joseph Biden in 2024.

Prior to USAID, Ms. Somvongsiri served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal, volunteered with an NGO focused on Burmese migrant issues in Thailand, and worked for the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. She holds a B.A. in Letters from the University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in international relations from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She is a 2017 Distinguished Graduate of the National War College with an M.A. in National Security Strategy. Her foreign languages include Thai, Spanish, Nepali, Bahasa Indonesian, Russian, and Kiswahili.

Please contact Addy Cross at [email protected] for questions or accessibility accommodations.