Motoko Rich, New York Times; Caroline Kennedy, an Ambassador Whose Role Transcended the Embassy; New York Times, 1/11/17

Motoko Rich, New York Times; Caroline Kennedy, an Ambassador Whose Role Transcended the Embassy

"“We never know when our actions will have the greatest impact,” Caroline Kennedy, the United States ambassador to Japan, wrote, “and it’s often not when we expect.”

That note two years ago, Ms. Shiomura recalled, “really helped me.” It lifted her from a depression over the criticism she faced from political rivals and on social media and inspired her to continue to fight for women’s rights. Months later, at a reception at the ambassador’s residence for female leaders, Ms. Kennedy greeted her with raised fists and told her, “Don’t let these troubles get you down.”

In multiple moments like these, Ambassador Kennedy, who will depart Japan next Wednesday after three years here, sought to convey to women across the country a quiet message of empowerment...

“I just think being a woman ambassador, and I think visible women in positions of leadership, does help change attitudes,” Ms. Kennedy said in an interview this month in her office at the United States Embassy in Tokyo."