Available Worldwide – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Perhaps predictably for November, we’d like to show a little gratitude for some of the many kind things EFMs have done for us. 🙏

In this episode, Lauren and Steph share a few personal anecdotes to kick off the conversation.

We want to hear from you!

Share a short story about a time another EFM has done something great for you. Schedule a short interview on our calendar: https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Unlike many State Department EFMs, Chris’s experiences are shaped by her husband’s role with DOJ. How did she break out of her comfort zone and find a community that is worth retiring into?

Chris Lang has been an EFM at four posts now, and at her current age of 61, she has figured out how to settle in, connect with others, and be happy wherever she is. She knows the importance of doing what you love and finding like-minded people. She enjoys being active (through hiking, biking, walking, and pickleball), working with refugees, playing Mahjong, cooking, reading, and hanging out with friends.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Charting Her Own Course: Building the Right Skills to Thrive at Post

Melissa Dokurno's career has taken quite a few twists and turns since her spouse joined the Foreign Service, and even before he was officially on board. While they've both made sacrifices for each other's careers, they've kept their family strong even when physically separated.

In this interview, Melissa tells the story of their difficult decision to live in different countries to take advantage of career opportunities. She also shares her recipe for success: be open to what's available!
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BIO

Melissa Dokurno, Esq. is a career public servant and proud mom.  Over the past decade, she has strived to find the necessary work-life balance to both thrive as an EFM and build a career she is passionate about.

Melissa began her career as a local prosecutor in Long Island, NY, serving for 3 years to help victims find their voice in an often daunting criminal justice system.

Capitalizing on an opportunity to test-run EFM life, she and her 2-year-old daughter took a leap of faith to join her husband in El Salvador while he worked as a third-party contractor for U.S. Embassy San Salvador.

In life’s twists and turns, Melissa returned to Washington, D.C. to work as a Staff Attorney for Bread for the City Legal Clinic representing low-income and marginalized clients facing unlawful evictions; she served in that role until she departed Washington to officially begin her new life as an EFM.

Melissa has also lived in Matamoros, Mexico, and Bangkok, Thailand, and used these opportunities to pivot her career to become an Investigative Analyst for Diplomatic Security. 
Building on that wealth of knowledge, Melissa finally joined the Civil Service in 2024 where she continues to serve as an Analyst while her family is posted in D.C. for the next two years.

Melissa remains ready to discover new and enriching career opportunities while also enjoying where life takes her!
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AW Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Available Worldwide Network. AWN  is a community-led private social network – i.e. not on Facebook –  providing professional development, personal connection, and social support for the accompanying partners of the US Foreign Service.


We all contribute a small fee to fund the platform, but right now in October 2024, you can check us out for free using coupon code FALL24. 

If you’re a motivated EFM or MOH looking for connection in an empowering community, we invite you to join what we’re building together!

We know the challenges of trying to build and maintain careers both at home and abroad. But making friends in a safe and supportive community like AWN can make life a little easier and a lot more fun. 

Check out all the FAQs and find the coupon code FALL24 on our website: https://availableworldwide.net/awn/



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

In this episode, Lauren meets yet another life trajectory twin, Janelle Meyer, who went to college with dreams of being a graphic designer, but who eventually came back to her true calling, work helping students succeed. Janelle is a special educator with a real passion for using brain-based methods to help children learn to read and succeed in school. This episode covers her journey to becoming a special education teacher, the reasons why she loves having a partner in her small business, and the importance of finding continuity (in both your professional and social life!) in the otherwise unpredictable Foreign Service lifestyle.

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Janelle Meyer is an international educator, inclusion advocate, avid runner, and mom. Having spent the last 15 years living and working in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), London, and the USA, she has developed a deep understanding of educational practices and how to support neurodiverse needs.Having an older brother with significant special needs, she has always sought inclusionary practices supporting the whole learner and family outside the classroom. In Malaysia, she was a founding board member of SENIA’s local chapter (SENIM). Bridging the classroom to the real world, she founded chapters of Best Buddies International in China & Malaysia.With her masters in Special Education and as a certified dyslexia practitioner, she is the co-founder of Global Village Tutors, which reflects a holistic and evidence-based approach to nurturing well-rounded, resilient international students with Dyslexia and/or ADHD. GVT has experienced educators and professionals dedicated to helping students overcome their challenges and succeed academically in the world. They offer various services, from one-on-one instruction or school guidance through the learning support process tailored to each student and family's unique needs.

Global Village Tutors Website

Janelle's LinkedIn

Contribute to her World Vision team's fundraising goals for the Chicago Marathon 

Learn more about and get involved with Janelle's favorite global organizations supporting the needs of diverse children:
SENIA Network
Best Buddies

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Purvi Gandhi Irwin works in a job that didn't exist when she entered her career field as a preservation project architect. She's a design tech consultant working with 3D modeling software and was recently hired by Overseas Building Operations (OBO). In our interview, Purvi shares questionable choices in high school, how her career has evolved, her special connection to the bathroom tiles in Eastern Market, and how she's managed to maintain a successful career as her family moves around the world. We also discuss ideas for a new podcast that she'd be great at! 
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BIO
Purvi has spent the last 9 years supporting architects, interior architects, and engineers with their design technology needs at Shifted Paradigm Design. This includes teaching a 3D modeling software called Revit, creating digital content, developing workflows and standards, troubleshooting issues, and finding creative solutions to both design and modeling problems.

With over 25 years of design experience, most spent as a preservation project architect, Purvi specialized in using innovative technologies to facilitate the documentation and rehabilitation of institutional buildings, and 16+ years of Revit experience working with existing buildings (most historic), from conceptual design, through construction administration and project close-out.

She recently joined the DOS Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations and is working in a DETO position as her husband is an FSO. Purvi is a registered architect with degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation and was a 10-year board member on the Alexandria, Virginia Board of Architectural Review.

Additionally, she has presented at a variety of conferences and webcasts around the world and has also been involved in DEIA-related initiatives in both the design fields and in her community. She is a Girl Scout leader, an avid crafter, and loves to travel in her free time.

Connect with Purvi:

• https://shiftedparadigm.wixsite.com/spdesign
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/purviirwin
• https://x.com/BIMchiq

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This episode is sponsored by U.S. History for Expats

Calling all parents! U.S. History for Expats has U.S. history courses forming right now. 

Did you know that all 50 states require U.S. history in middle school and 40 states require a U.S. history for graduation? Don’t let your children miss out.

U.S. History for Expats has an elementary, middle, and high school program to fit your needs. This year, in grades 1-4 we are introducing ‘live’ biweekly activities in addition to the Studies Weekly program. 

Our accredited middle school and high school classes have been designed specifically for the children of American diplomats and cover the entire spectrum of U.S. history using the most recent Virginia Standards of Learning.

What makes us different? We provide tons of feedback, unlimited support, and we are the first EFM-owned program to be accredited. Using experience from teaching in seven international schools, we fill in the gaps your international school might be missing.

Sign up for a course or an information session by visiting www.ushistoryforexpats.com today. And don’t forget, all of our classes can be 100% reimbursed using the Supplemental Instructional Allowance.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

We're on summer break! We just wanted to share a quick update about how you can get involved in the next season of episodes AND how to stay connected to the Available Worldwide community. 

Apply to be a guest: https://availableworldwide.net/contact/

Join the Available Worldwide Network: https://availableworldwide.net/available-worldwide-network/

You'll hear from us again in September!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Special Episode: Guest Updates!

We’ve asked past guests to send in audio updates. We’ll hear from 4 guests in Part 2 of this two-part series.

We asked past guests to tell us what’s new with them since their interview, what’s the same, what effect being on Available Worldwide had on them or their business, and if they’ve learned any additional lessons since being on the show or have other advice to share with Foreign Service accompanying partners.

We hope you’ll enjoy listening to their updates, and be sure to revisit their original interviews using the links below.
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In this episode, you'll hear updates from:
  
Kent Blakeney - U.S. History for Expats

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kent-blakeney-us-history-for-expats--49737453

Website: https://www.ushistoryforexpats.com/
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Melissa Finkenbiner - artist

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/melissa-finkenbiner-artist--47268915

Website: https://www.melissafinkenbiner.com/
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Mary Stange - Ponte Travels

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mary-stange-ponte-travels--47044476

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marystange/ 
Website: www.pontetravels.com
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Patricia Linderman - Fierce after 45

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/patricia-linderman-fierce-after-45--48246500

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-linderman-63a83213/ 
Website: www.fierceafter45.com
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This episode is sponsored by Fierce After 45

We’ve all got health goals. So why aren’t we there yet? We’re human! And so many other things get in the way. Having a health coach is like riding an electric bike on your journey toward your personal health goals. It’s faster, easier, and a whole lot more fun! 

Health coach Patricia Linderman is a longtime EFM who totally gets the Foreign Service lifestyle. She offers affordable Zoom coaching in any time zone, specializing in women over 45 but open to all.

Visit FierceAfter45.com to find out more and schedule your free consultation today!

Website and blog: www.fierceafter45.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FierceAfter45
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fierceafter45/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fierceafter45 


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Special Episode: Guest Updates!

We’ve asked past guests to send in audio updates. We’ll hear from 5 guests in Part 1 of this two-part series.

We asked past guests to tell us what’s new with them since their interview, what’s the same, what effect being on Available Worldwide had on them or their business, and if they’ve learned any additional lessons since being on the show or have other advice to share with Foreign Service accompanying partners.

We hope you’ll enjoy listening to their updates, and be sure to revisit their original interviews using the links below.
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In this episode, you'll hear updates from:
  
Erica Green - Iceland Writer's Retreat co-founder

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/erica-green-iceland-writers-retreat--46617849

Learn more: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericagreen1/
Website: https://icelandwritersretreat.com/

Dr Fae Frederick - online therapist

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/fae-frederick-online-therapy-international--51681934

Learn more: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfaefrederick/
Website: drfae.com

Crystaline Randazzo - master storyteller and media creatrix

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/crystaline-randazzo-storyteller--49444392

Learn more:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crandazzostorytelling/
Website: www.crystalinerandazzo.com

Erin Semelka - financial planner

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/erin-semelka-clockwise-capital--47716977

Learn more:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-semelka?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_apphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-semelka/
Website: https://www.schorn.net/

Valeria Laitinen - resume writer

Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/valeria-laitinen-better-see-v--52650636

Learn more: 
Website: https://betterseev.com/
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This episode is sponsored by DiploDash

Are you struggling to figure out how to get your consumables? If shopping and packing out your consumables is a challenge, DiploDash® can help!

When you hire DiploDash to manage your consumables, you get a partner in the process. We’ve been there – hungry for certain foods and frustrated by what's available in the local market. We've also been confused by the endless lists of recommendations.

Working with DiploDash you’ll be guided through the consumables process from start to finish. Your biggest task is deciding what you want us to buy for you.

Get the consumables you want and never leave Post. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.

www.DiploDash.com
https://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

On the Available Worldwide podcast, we want to highlight the inspiring stories of the accompanying partners of the Foreign Service. But, we don't want to hide the very real challenges that many spouses face. 

In this interview for Pride month, you'll hear Maciej Szumny share some of the challenges he has faced as a same-sex partner and foreign-born spouse. You'll be inspired by Maciej's resilience, optimism, and adaptability. And he's a great storyteller!

Maciej also shares important, actionable advice for other spouses who leave their home countries to join diplomatic spouses moving from post to post. 
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BIO
Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, Maciej Szumny had a successful career working in Public Relations and Marketing for big international companies like Nike and Reebok. He was a published poet and a writer, cooperating with different lifestyle magazines in Poland and the UK.

One day he met his future husband who was posted to the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. They fell in love, and Maciej decided to leave everything behind to start a new life as a diplomatic spouse.

Maciej has lived in Praia, Cabo Verde, Montreal, Canada, and Washington DC, where he became the number-one seller of the luxury line of Armani fragrances in the United States.

Maciej was most recently living in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, where he took care of his family of six, including four canine members. He also spent time saving the lives of homeless animals, earning him the nickname Saint Maciej of Assisi.

Maciej and his spouse are currently PCSing back to Washington D.C. where Maciej is open to new professional opportunities. 
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AW SPONSOR: DIPLODASH
This episode is sponsored by DiploDash

Are you struggling to figure out how you will survive PCS? If sorting your shipments, planning logistics, and managing pack-out days wakes you from a deep sleep, DiploDash® can help!

When you hire DiploDash to support your PCS, you get a partner in the process. We have been there -- overwhelmed by the packers swirling around us while battling decision fatigue. We've also struggled with PCS amnesia and the strong desire to pretend like it isn't really happening.

Working with DiploDash you have an advocate supporting you through your move. You don't have to go it alone!

Get the PCS help you want. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.

www.DiploDash.com
https://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

In this episode, meet Mikell Reed Carroll, an EFM with a job you probably couldn’t imagine being portable: pagentry!Mikell has been competing in pageants since she was around 20 years old, and has won numerous titles over the past 26 years. This June, she plans to compete for the Miss Virginia USA title, which would make her the oldest contestant to do so.

Her tenacity and confidence grow every day as she adds more experiences to her life story: law school, advocacy work, television appearances, health challenges and now being one of the top Pageant Coaches in the world.

Listen as she advises host Lauren how to build confidence and why she (and all EFMs!) should build a “Win List” to help us get through challenging days. The skills of a pageant winner are the extremely portable skills of confidence under pressure, facing challenges on the spot and, in today’s online world, personal branding and representing your supporting organization.

Mikell is a Maine native, graduate of the University of Maine School of Law and has 26 plus years of experience in the world of beauty pageants. She is a former Mrs. Maine International, Mrs. DC, World's Mrs Tourism, International Ms USA and Ms USA Universe.

She opened her full service pageant coaching and consulting business in 2021 and has since been named to Pageant Planet's Top 20 Best Coaches in 2023.She is currently in training to compete in the Miss Virginia USA competition in June.

On Facebook and Instagram:
@carrollcrownconsulting
@mikellreedcarroll

This Episode is Sponsored by Diplodash
Are you struggling to figure out how you will survive PCS? If sorting your shipments, planning logistics, and managing pack-out days wakes you from a deep sleep, DiploDash® can help!

When you hire DiploDash to support your PCS, you get a partner in the process. We have been there -- overwhelmed by the packers swirling around us while battling decision fatigue. We've also struggled with PCS amnesia and the strong desire to pretend like it isn't really happening.

Working with DiploDash you have an advocate supporting you through your move. You don't have to go it alone!Get the PCS help you want. 

Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.
www.DiploDash.comhttps://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com