The Institute for Education’s (IFE) Ninth Annual Summer Social continues to build bridges among the city’s elite gatekeepers, protocol professionals, and social secretaries. With over 20 embassies, three federal agencies, and the White House represented, the 2024 event was a vibrant celebration of international collaboration and diplomacy. Co-hosted by IFE’s Deputy Director Elise Ravenscroft, Gwenda DeMoor from the Belgian Embassy, and Kiyomi Buker from the Japanese Embassy, the event featured CCC signature Seabreeze cocktails on the Great Lawn.
IFE Founder and CEO Coach Kemper warmly welcomed guests to the luncheon, emphasizing the significance of hosting the event at the historic Congressional Country Club. She highlighted the club’s rich history of fostering meaningful connections, making it the perfect setting for this annual gathering. Coach Kemper underscored how the venue’s legacy of bringing people together aligns not only with IFE’s mission but also with celebrating the vital roles of D.C.’s social secretaries and diplomats.
At the country club luncheon, the women embodied summer chic with an array of stylish sundresses and wide-brimmed hats that added a touch of glamour, shielding faces from the sun while exuding sophistication. The combination of elegant attire and effortless accessories created an atmosphere of relaxed yet refined summer elegance, perfectly complementing the scenic backdrop of the golf course.
Guests delighted in a buffet featuring crisp green salads, flavorful tuna and chicken salads, and perfectly cooked salmon and chicken filets. Indulgent French fries added a satisfying crunch, while fresh-cut fruit provided a refreshing contrast. For dessert, a playful selection of colorful popsicles offered a sweet, cooling treat to cap off the meal.
Grateful thanks to our special guest, former White House Social Secretary and author Deesha Dyer, who enriched the event with insights from her book Undiplomatic. Deesha shared how she overcame imposter syndrome to land one of the most exclusive and exciting positions at the White House. She emphasized the importance of embracing authenticity at all costs. Deesha resonated with the luncheon guests who, like her, strive to exceed expectations and deliver high-impact results, even under the brightest spotlight.
Although this was the first time connecting voices from phone calls, texts, and emails with faces for many, for Coach, Elise, Gwenda, and Kiyomi, it was proof that true friendship is the foundation for a successful collaboration.
The afternoon concluded with a promise to continue convening and making things happen, two defining aspects of both the gatekeepers and the Institute for Education, which has, for the past 28 years, brought DC’s influencers and decision-makers together.
