On June 19th, the Islamic Society of North America and honorable hosts Mr. and Mrs. Ray and Shaista Mahmood came together to hold a night of recognition and appreciation for Ambassador Karen Hughes. The dinner reception was held in honor of Ambassador Karen Hughes’ continuous efforts with the Muslim American community and the Muslim community abroad. Among the attendees of this occasion were Sada Cumber, the new U.S. representative to the OIC, Ambassador Bisera Turkovich, Bosnian Ambassador to the US, Congressman Joe Wilson of North Carolina, Mr. Steve Bartlett, CEO of Financial Services Roundtable, Maryland State Representative, Saqib Ali, and Tom Johnston, Senior Exchanges Specialist in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, as well as many other colleagues and friends.

Dr. Ingrid Matson opened off the event with eloquent words of gratitude to the invaluable efforts Ambassador Hughes has put forth to conduct a means of public diplomacy that  serves as a connecting bridge to the Muslim community of America and abroad. Ambassador Karen Hughes, the former Under Secretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the State Department, dedicated her time while in office to upholding the founding ideals of this great nation of justice, equality, and promoting diversity. On behalf of ISNA, Dr. Ingrid Matson was honored to present an award of appreciation to Ambassador Hughes in recognition of her great work and to wish her the best with her future endeavors.