Convening

2025 Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon

Deborah Lehr, Interim CEO of Meridian International Center and T.H. Dina Powell McCormick, Vice Chairman & President of Global Client Services, Partner of BDT & MSD, answering questions during the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. As the 57th Annual Meridian Ball approaches on October 24, 2025, Meridian hosted the annual Meridian Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses luncheon on October 6, 2025.

The event celebrated the enduring relationship between Congress and the diplomatic community, highlighting the vital role Meridian has played in fostering international diplomacy. The luncheon brought together spouses of congressional representatives from both sides of the aisle, along with ambassadors from around the world, for an afternoon of reflection and camaraderie. At the heart of the luncheon, a special focus was given to the theme of leadership and mentorship.

T. H. Dina Powell McCormick shared insights from the book, Who Believed in You: How Purposeful Mentorship Changes the World. In the book, she explores the transformative power of mentorship, highlighting stories from influential global leaders. Laina Marshall, Marjorie Harris, and Allison Lutnick at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025.

Photos by Jess Latos. Caroline Landau, Ritu Banga, and Dr. Susan Blumenthal Markey at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Angela Padilla (left) shaking hands with Sherrie Beckstead (right) at the 2025 Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025.

Photos by Jess Latos. Kristin Cecchi, Gwen Holliday, Jean Case, and Megan Beyer at the 2025 Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Liis Prikk, Jane Abraham, T.H. Dina Powell McCormick, Deborah Lehr, Kristin Cecchi, Tammy Haddad, and Jill Hazelbaker at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025.

Photos by Jess Latos. T.H. Marie Royce and Stephanie Williams at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Gwen Holliday being recognized for her 20 years of service to Meridian International Center at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025.

Photos by Jess Latos. Natalie Jones, EVP and COO of Meridian International Center, giving remarks in the Linden Grove during the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Millicent Hennesey and Meg McGaughey at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025.

Photos by Jess Latos. Ada Vargas speaking with Sarah Akram at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. David Bohigian at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Tammy Haddad asking a question during the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025.

Photos by Jess Latos. Deborah Lehr, Interim CEO of Meridian International Center and T.H. Dina Powell McCormick, Vice Chairman & President of Global Client Services, Partner of BDT & MSD, at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Kelley Paul with Victoria Dutari de Alemán at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025.

Photos by Jess Latos. Abby Blunt, Jocelyn Quinn, and Susanna Quinn at the 2025 Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Jane Abraham and Laura Cox Kaplan at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Betsy Fischer Martin at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025.

Photos by Jess Latos. Allison Lutnick, Adrienne Elrod, Shanti Stanton, and T.H. Dina Powell McCormick at the Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon held at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC on October 6, 2025. Photos by Jess Latos. Project summary 2025 Congressional and Ambassadorial Spouses Luncheon | October 2025 .