Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Karen Hughes and Public
Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan visit Beijing, January 17-21, 2007

Secretary Rice Appoints Michelle Kwan Envoy for U.S. Public Diplomacy

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced today that she has appointed figure skating champion Michelle Kwan as the first American Public Diplomacy Envoy. Kwan, a five-time World Champion and two-time Olympic medalist joined the Secretary in the Treaty Room of the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. 

Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan

"I want to thank Michelle for taking on this really important mission," Rice said. "It's a time of great consequence in the world and I know that she is going to play an important and valuable role for our nation."

In her new role, Kwan will work with Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen P. Hughes and Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Dina Habib Powell, in their efforts to help promote cross-cultural dialogue with international youth and to increase understanding of America by sharing her story and life experiences. Kwan will reach out to international young people by visiting their schools and clubs to speak about leadership and to engage them in a dialogue on social and educational issues.

"I am honored to accept this appointment and to serve my country," said Kwan. "As an athlete, I have always been proud to represent the United States around the world. Being able to do so in this new position is very special and meaningful to me."

The most decorated figure skater in U.S. history; Kwan has won an unprecedented 43 championships, including five World Championships, nine U.S. Championships, and two Olympic medals. She has taken a year off from figure skating and this fall began attending the University of Denver (DU) in Denver, Colorado, as a full-time student. She plans to major in political science with a minor in international studies.

In addition to her studies and duties associated with her official appointment, Kwan continues to perform in skating exhibitions, work on special projects and serve as a corporate spokesperson.

More Information

Beijing: Karen Hughes and Michelle Kwan Meet with Beijing's Brightest Young Minds (Jan 20, 2007)

Beijing: U.S. DCM in China Opens Home to American Chamber of Commerce in Honor of American Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan (Jan 19, 2007)

Beijing: Michelle Kwan Inspires Chinese Blind Orphans with Hope (Jan 19, 2007)

Beijing: U.S. Champion Figure Skater Michelle Kwan honored at U.S. Ambassador’s Evening Reception (Jan 18, 2007)

Beijing: Michelle Kwan Visits Renmin University-affiliated Middle School (Jan 18, 2007)

Beijing: Michelle Kwan Captures the Hearts of Dandelion Students (Jan 18, 2007)

Under Secretary Hughes and American Public Diplomacy Envoy Michelle Kwan to Visit China; Under Secretary Hughes to Visit the Philippines (Jan 12, 2007)