Michelle Kwan shares a laugh during a panel discussion Dec. 6 at the Washington Post Live
Conference on Women and Leadership.
Kwan the diplomat shares spotlight at women and leadership conference
Michelle Kwan, who became America’s fi rst pub-
lic diplomacy envoy in 2006, has taken a step up the Washington D.C. podium, being named senior adviser for public diplomacy and public aff airs. Over the past fi ve years, the two-time Olympic
HQ Profi le: Kirsten Habgood I am the Executive Administrative Assistant. I provide administrative support
to the Executive Director, Special Assistant to the Executive Director, U.S. Figure Skating’s Nominating Committee and U.S. Figure Skating’s Manager of Giving Pro- grams.
What’s your favorite part of the job? I come from a public relations background and used to travel and work a lot
of hours. Although I loved it when I was doing it, I have a family now and I prefer the shorter hours and the minimized stress. I really enjoy working with the staff at U.S. Figure Skating. What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time I like to run the gorgeous trails in Colorado Springs with
friends, teach my kids how to ski and spend time with my family. What would people be surprised to know about you? I played NCAA Division I fi eld hockey at Radford University in Radford, Va. I
would love to coach out here, but there aren’t very many programs in Colorado. What is your ideal vacation? My ideal vacation would be in a cold climate (skiing) or warm climate (at the
beach) where I didn’t have to lift a fi nger to cook, clean or make a bed. Could you tell us a little bit about your family? I married my high school sweetheart from Pennsylvania and have lived in
many cities following the golf tournaments that he oversees. We have a house full of laughter with a 9-year-old daughter, Camden, and 7-year-old twin daughters Amelia and Finley. We also have a 12 year-old dog, Bay.
medalist and fi ve-time world champion has traveled the world on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Aff airs. Kwan, 32, re- cently spoke at the Washington Post Live Conference on Women and Leadership, where she discussed her tran- sition from competitive fi gure skating to working with the State Department. “People say it’s a 180 [degree change] for me,”
Kwan said. “But I traveled the world representing the U.S. for years” as a skater. During The Post’s panel discussion, Kwan shared
how her focus and dedication helped make her the most-decorated fi gure skater in U.S. history. “I remember sleeping in this position,” she said
crossing her arms and ankles as she lengthened her body. “That’s the position of a rotational triple jump.” Kwan, whose competitive drive is legendary, told the seminar audience that she lost out on one thing she really wanted: a White House fellowship. In a unique twist, Clay Pell beat her out for that prestigious job. “But,” Kwan smiled, “I got the fellow.” Pell and Kwan announced their engagement in
September. A wedding date has not been set, but she said they will probably tie the knot this year in Rhode Island, Pell’s home state.
Weir cuts season short Johnny Weir, a two-time Olympian and three-time
U.S. champion, announced last month he will end his season after deciding not to compete at the 2013 Pru- dential U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Weir did not compete for two seasons after the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Last January, he announced his intention to return to competitive fi gure skating. He received two ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series as- signments this fall, but withdrew due
to a hip injury after the short program Nov. 10 at Rostelecom Cup in Moscow.
He also withdrew from Trophée Eric Bompard in Paris the following week. Weir began the season with a fourth-place fi nish at 2012 Fin- landia Trophy in Espoo, Finland.
6 JANUARY 2013
PHOTO BY JEFF MARTIN/GETTY IMAGES
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68