Katharine Keith is a self-described Public Diplomat. Currently, she works for the British Consulate-General in Los Angeles as the Communications Officer. Though she is American by birth, she’s felt right at home at the “UK in LA”, promoting the US- UK relationship in the Southwest. Her job allows her to work closely with NGO’s, governments, and LA’s political and social leaders to promote trade, investment, international education, human rights and culture. She has worked on visits of Members of British Parliament and Royals including the recent visit of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (better known as Wills and Kate), as they toured Los Angeles. Managing more than 1000 press and public at events such as the Foundation Polo Match and the BAFTA “Brits to Watch” gala where she was seen on the red carpet with the hottest couple in the world.

Katharine began her career in diplomacy at university where she studied international studies and conflict resolution at the University of California, Irvine. She focused on the Middle East- specifically Iran – and studied Farsi. Working for the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding -a non-profit organization that focuses on citizen diplomacy to prevent violent conflict, and promotes reconciliation- Katharine found herself campaigning to the Iranian Government for the release of her peace-activist friend, Ali Shakeri, who was detained in Evin Prison. She also co-founded the award winning Olive Tree Initiative, a delegation of students from different religious backgrounds who travel to Israel and the West Bank of Palestine to interview local actors in order to better understand the conflict there.

Katharine received a Master’s in Public Diplomacy from the University of Southern California. Her focus on social media and international broadcasting lead her to work for the US Department of State in Washington, D.C., and consult for the US Mission to NATO in Brussels on their social media strategy.
Katharine’s passion for the world, travel and international relations has led her around the world. She lived in Cyprus and travelled throughout Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Some of her favorite destinations include Egypt, Lebanon, Dubai, Colombia and Italy.
Katharine is always looking for the next opportunity to further diplomacy among the public around the world –whether it is in Los Angeles or the Middle East. Follow her blog – www.aWorldNotOurOwn.blogspot.com– as she writes about her adventures in public diplomacy, along with her sister, who is co-blogs as a Peace Corps volunteer from Kenya.