![With the Jefferson Memorial in the background, cherry blossoms bloom along the Tidal Basin in Washington, March 19, 2012. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0424_cherry_blossoms_m.jpg)
About the Author: Mai Ichihara serves as a Public Diplomacy Intern for the Offices of Japanese and Korean Affairs in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Department of State.
Recently the Department of State hosted a Cherry Blossom Centennial event that highlighted the role of youth and women in foreign affairs and diplomacy. I was lucky enough to sit among the Cherry Blossom Princesses who represented all 50 states and even a few foreign embassies here in Washington, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Goodwill Ambassadors. I was one of many young women gathered in the auditorium mulling questions such as: How can a young person with few resources, few connections, and no real experience be a catalyst for global change? Can society accept and actually appreciate a working mom?… more »
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