In October 2013, Tara D. Sonenshine, a distinguished fellow at the George Washington University’s School of Media & Public Affairs, led students and faculty in a Conversation About Careers hosted by the school. WIPA’s Ally Garner caught up with her afterward to get her take on women in public affairs. We are honored to have her as the first profile in our Thought Leader series.
By Ally Garner
“I love life,” said Tara D. Sonenshine when asked about her career and passions. As former undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs at the U.S. Department of State and a mother of two whose career spans media, government, politics, the private sector, non-profits and both international and domestic work, she has good reason to. I first heard about Sonenshine and her inspiring work in a public diplomacy class. So when I found out that she was joining the GW community, I was thrilled. And when I learned she was leading an intimate lunch discussion on campus, I jumped at the chance to meet her. I followed up with her to tell her about WIPA, and she didn’t hesitate to share her advice.
So what does being a “woman in public affairs” mean to someone as experienced in the field as Sonenshine? It’s quite simple: “A woman in public affairs is someone who understands how to respond to the needs of the public and media on both issues related to women/gender, and issues that relate to all aspects of outreach and public diplomacy,” she said. And success requires a commitment to and passion for the work, strong writing and communications skills, and the willingness – and confidence – to put yourself out there.
According to Sonenshine, the importance of women working in public affairs stems from the field’s ability to shape public understanding and opinion. “Having more women occupy public affairs positions,” she argued, “means that women are bringing their unique skills into defining how the public understands issues and organizations.” That is why learning how to frame arguments and communicate are what she calls “key ingredients” to success. “Public affairs specialists need to write often and network well,” she noted. She stressed the importance of being able to “advocate for yourself and your field” and making connections by volunteering, joining boards, mentoring and working with women.
Sonenshine also identified significant barriers to success for women in the workplace, including “juggling child care, equal pay issues, sandwich generation issues of caring for elderly and young ones, feeling constrained by stereotypes and values that don’t enable them to feel empowered to be decision makers.” But through dialogue and, in part, groups like WIPA, progress is possible. Groups like WIPA, Sonenshine says, promote diversity and encourage women to “seek positions that can lead upward on the ladder of their organizations.”
In the end, Sonenshine offered valuable advice on the skills that those interested in public affairs should prioritize. But she also revealed a compelling aspect of success that has stuck with me: following your passion and enjoying life. When asked about the coolest person she has met through her impressive career, she said Juanes, a Colombian singer who uses music to advocate for peace. And when asked who she looks up to, she said her sons because of what they teach her about “music, film, theater, sports and life.” She described her personal and professional passions as “intertwined.” To me, she paints an inspiring portrait, and makes a strong case for learning to immerse yourself in your work while prioritizing and appreciating family and life.
By Ally Garner
“I love life,” said Tara D. Sonenshine when asked about her career and passions. As former undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs at the U.S. Department of State and a mother of two whose career spans media, government, politics, the private sector, non-profits and both international and domestic work, she has good reason to. I first heard about Sonenshine and her inspiring work in a public diplomacy class. So when I found out that she was joining the GW community, I was thrilled. And when I learned she was leading an intimate lunch discussion on campus, I jumped at the chance to meet her. I followed up with her to tell her about WIPA, and she didn’t hesitate to share her advice.
So what does being a “woman in public affairs” mean to someone as experienced in the field as Sonenshine? It’s quite simple: “A woman in public affairs is someone who understands how to respond to the needs of the public and media on both issues related to women/gender, and issues that relate to all aspects of outreach and public diplomacy,” she said. And success requires a commitment to and passion for the work, strong writing and communications skills, and the willingness – and confidence – to put yourself out there.
According to Sonenshine, the importance of women working in public affairs stems from the field’s ability to shape public understanding and opinion. “Having more women occupy public affairs positions,” she argued, “means that women are bringing their unique skills into defining how the public understands issues and organizations.” That is why learning how to frame arguments and communicate are what she calls “key ingredients” to success. “Public affairs specialists need to write often and network well,” she noted. She stressed the importance of being able to “advocate for yourself and your field” and making connections by volunteering, joining boards, mentoring and working with women.
Sonenshine also identified significant barriers to success for women in the workplace, including “juggling child care, equal pay issues, sandwich generation issues of caring for elderly and young ones, feeling constrained by stereotypes and values that don’t enable them to feel empowered to be decision makers.” But through dialogue and, in part, groups like WIPA, progress is possible. Groups like WIPA, Sonenshine says, promote diversity and encourage women to “seek positions that can lead upward on the ladder of their organizations.”
In the end, Sonenshine offered valuable advice on the skills that those interested in public affairs should prioritize. But she also revealed a compelling aspect of success that has stuck with me: following your passion and enjoying life. When asked about the coolest person she has met through her impressive career, she said Juanes, a Colombian singer who uses music to advocate for peace. And when asked who she looks up to, she said her sons because of what they teach her about “music, film, theater, sports and life.” She described her personal and professional passions as “intertwined.” To me, she paints an inspiring portrait, and makes a strong case for learning to immerse yourself in your work while prioritizing and appreciating family and life.
Ally Garner is a WIPA member and second-year graduate student at GW's School of Media & Public Affairs. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, she is interested in cultural diplomacy and hopes to pursue a career in the field. She loves to write and practice yoga.