Mourning the Passing of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright

Like so many around the world, I’m deeply saddened by the passing of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright. It’s a very somber day for those who knew her personally and for all those around the world who cherish and value democracy.

Madeleine was a trailblazer in so many ways. Following my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, I had the opportunity to work for Madeleine for six years at the Albright Stonebridge Group. I learned so much from working with her, and the lesson I most took away is that you can communicate powerfully in so many ways, whether through the symbolism of a brooch, a well-timed joke, or an embrace.

For me, she defines what it means to be a diplomat. She showed that by listening and putting herself in other people’s shoes, we can bridge differences and divides to bring the world closer together. At the same time, she had a will of steel and stood up to dictators and fascists around the world.

Madeleine reminded me that democracy required vigilance. “While democracy in the long run is the most stable form of government, in the short run, it is the most fragile,” she once said. Women, immigrants, the most marginalized, and defenders of freedom lost a true champion today.

While she was small in stature, she stood on the world stage as a colossus for the dignity of all people. Having worked alongside her, I know she would ask all of us to pick up her torch and carry it brightly into the future.