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Elizabeth (Betsy) Orlando

Economic Officer, US Department of State Foreign Service

Elizabeth (Betsy) Orlando joined the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service as an Economic Officer in 1992. Betsy works in the Bureau of Economic Affairs in the Office of Threat Finance and Countermeasures overseeing implementation of the Kimberley Process and Dodd Frank Act on Conflict Minerals. She also covers artisanal mining issues.

Betsy is from Bohemia, Long Island, New York. She is a graduate from Connetquot High School. She graduated with a B.A. from Mount Vernon College (now George Washington University) with Honors majoring in U.S. Policy and Politics and minoring in Legal Studies. She graduated with a J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law. She earned a Certificate in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from Duke University 2012.

Ms. Orlando worked at a private law firm for three years and as a mediator for the city of Akron. She was a Court Advocate for victims of violence in NY before joining U.S. Department of State. She has lived in Frankfurt, Germany (twice); Bangkok, Thailand; Helsinki, Finland; and Abuja, Nigeria and traveled to over 170 countries. Ms. Orlando is a Tex Harris Awardee for Constructive Dissent in 2004 and the Secretary of State Outstanding Overseas Volunteer Award (SOSA) in 2013.

Ms. Orlando is a published author. Her writings have appeared in the newspapers Washington Times, Stars and Stripes European Edition, Connection Magazine, and has a book of poetry and prose “A Field of Flowers: Tales from a Diplomat’s Journey”. She is very active in Toastmasters International and has earned the Distinguished Toastmaster Award twice. She has founded five Toastmasters clubs; one in New York, one in Maryland, and three in Abuja, Nigeria. Ms. Orlando has trained and worked with thousands of youth and adults on business etiquette, public speaking, negotiation, and leadership in programs with the Hispanic College Fund, the National Hispana Leadership Institute, Latinas Learning to Lead, the Girls Scouts of Washington, Today’s Teachers- Tomorrow’s Leaders, and YMCA.

Ms. Orlando continues to work with various community groups to help develop future leaders. 

Breakout Session: The Future State Department Guidelines: What You Need to Know

The US State Department is deepening its involvement in jewelry supply chains, and this will have implications for all jewelry businesses. This session will provide from-the-source, up-to-the-moment information about what is happening - and expected to happen - in terms of US government rules, regulations, and guidelines.

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