Foreign Service OMS Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 02. Research and Networking in Bidding: Winderlyn Shares Her Tips Mar 15, 2025

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Office Management Specialist Wenderlyn breaks down her career journey, sharing insider tips on excursion bidding, interview success, and strategic lobbying. Learn how to navigate the bidding cable, maximize networking opportunities, and leverage back-to-back domestic tours for leadership growth. If you're an OMS looking to land stretch positions and take control of your career, this episode is a must-listen!

Ep 10. From Non-profit Colleagues to FS OMS Friends: Stories from Brooke, Andrea, and Dolores Mar 11, 2025

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Inside the Foreign Service: Stories of Crisis, Resilience & Impact

In this fun episode, we listen to stories from Andrea, Brooke, and Dolores—former NGO colleagues turned Foreign Service OMSs. From high-stakes evacuations to global crisis response, these colleagues share firsthand accounts of resilience and adaptability. They reveal what it takes to navigate international crises, maintain self-care under pressure, and make a lasting impact within the State Department. Tune in for an inside look at the unsung heroes behind diplomatic operations!

Ep 09. OMS Strategic Impact: Stories from Cheveda Fergerson Mar 11, 2025

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Cheveda, an accomplished Foreign Service Office Management Specialist, shares her career journey and insider insights into the OMS role. She breaks down the skills that helped her thrive in assignments across multiple countries, from mastering communication to building strong relationships with principals. Want to thrive as an OMS in the Foreign Service? Tune in as Cheveda “Chevy” Fergerson shares unfiltered insights, career strategies, and leadership lessons that will help you stand out and succeed!

Ep 08. Stories of an Entry-Level Foreign Service OMS with Sara Seymour Mar 11, 2025

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In this episode, Sara Seymour, a former service member turned entry-level OMS tells the story of her leap from the military to the Foreign Service. She shares the invaluable skills that made her transition seamless, the exciting career diversity within the OMS role, and the unique challenges of navigating this life as a single person in the service. Broadcasting from her assignment in Belize, she reveals how she built a tight-knit community and founded a social club for early-career diplomats. If you are eyeing a career in diplomacy this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Foreign Service!

Ep 07. From Foreign Service Direct-Hire to Military Spouse with Cindy Edwards Mar 11, 2025

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Cindy Edwards shares her experience as a Foreign Service OMS, discussing her career, assignments, working with different individuals, family life, and the highs and lows of her Foreign Service journey. We go into her decision to resign from the service and transition to life as a military family member. Tune into hear Cindy's thoughts on a career and lifestyle she and her family enjoyed.

**This episode was recorded June 2024

Ep. 06 Take Charge of Your Career with Jessica Ward Mar 11, 2025

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Jessica shares her career experiences and insights on being a Foreign Service Office Management Specialist. From DCM to COM OMS, she highlights the difference between living in a place and traveling to a place and how her overseas experiences led her to join the Foreign Service. Listen to the insights of life in the Foreign Service and how to do a job you love and live an adventurous lifestyle.

Ep 05. Leadership in the State Department: Insights from Jamie Cohn Mar 11, 2025

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In this episode of the Foreign Service OMS podcast, Jamie shares her journey as an Office Management Specialist with the Department of State. With nine years of experience, Jamie discusses her roles in Cairo and Munich, the challenges faced during COVID, and her impactful work on the seventh floor. She reflects on her experiences during the Afghan evacuation in 2021 and the amazing role she played from coordinating flights to training the Executive Secretariat to the Secretary of State. Jamie's insights highlight the significance of taking initiative, building relationships, and the rewarding nature of public service. If you are an aspiring OMS or a fellow executive assistant professional, this episode will show you how executive professionals are natural-born leaders.

Ep 04. Redefining the OMS Role: Promotions, Mentorship & Finding Fulfillment with Llewellyn Graham Mar 11, 2025

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Llewelyn Graham, has over 20 years of experience as an Office Management Specialist (OMS) in the State Department. He shares his career journey, thoughts on OMS promotions, and the direction of the OMS Corps. Listen to Llewelyn recall some of his best moments in the Foreign Service. Learn how he believes in the power of mentorship a strong support system for our colleagues.

🔊 The audio speed is increased in the interest of time. Please excuse any typos and editing errors.

📩 Feel free to get in touch at stacey.phengvath@gmail.com

Ep 03. Navigating Boundaries, Leadership & Impact: Laura Avakian’s OMS Journey Mar 11, 2025

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I sat down with Laura Avakian, office manager to Assistant Secretary of Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols, to chat about her pathway into the Foreign Service. Laura shares how she establishes healthy relationships with her bosses, sets personal and professional boundaries, and prioritizes work-life balance. On the OMS corp, she encourages open communication and mutual respect to create a positive work environment. Listen to one of our fantastic colleagues sharing how they champion the office management role in the workplace.

Ep 01. Introducing the OMS Program Unit with Cortney Conrad Mar 11, 2025

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In this pilot episode, we sit down with Cortney Conrad, the first director of the new OMS Program Unit. We discuss Cortney's career, including her motivation for joining the Foreign Service. Cortney invites us to celebrate OMS contributions to the Foreign Service as she spearheads the team in charge of defining the path forward for the corps.

This episode was recorded June 2024.

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