March is Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville will highlight the women who have displayed immense leadership, created a lasting legacy, and contributed to the Council’s success. Their contributions have been integral to the growth and influence of the Council. Today, we feature Ambassador Marilyn McAfee, a visionary diplomat and dedicated leader who transformed the Council into a thriving, dynamic organization committed to fostering global awareness and dialogue.
Born in 1940, Ambassador McAfee’s professional journey took her worldwide, from the Middle East to Latin America, serving as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. Her diplomatic career spanned over three decades, including her pivotal role as the United States Ambassador to Guatemala. Throughout her service, she focused on strengthening democracy, advocating for human rights, and enhancing diplomatic relations across numerous regions.
Upon her retirement in 1996, Ambassador McAfee became a driving force at the Council, which at the time had a small membership of just 100. Recognizing the potential and need for a more visible and impactful platform to educate and engage the Jacksonville community on global affairs, she brought a level of leadership, vision, and energy that would ultimately transform the organization. Under her presidency, the Council saw its membership grow exponentially – from 100 members to an impressive 800. This prominent leadership, however, was not just about numbers; it was about creating a meaningful legacy.
Under her leadership, she championed the development of Global Issues Evenings (GIEs), a signature initiative that remains a gift to the community. Unique to Northeast Florida, the Council serves as a one-of-a-kind platform for international education and engagement, bringing globally significant discussions to the region. Thanks to Ambassador McAfee’s vision, the GIEs – free and open to the public – continue to this day, drawing thousands from the community eager to deepen their understanding of international affairs.
In addition to her work with the Council, Ambassador McAfee made significant contributions to the broader World Affairs Council of America, participating in special delegation visits to Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. Perhaps one of Ambassador McAfee’s most enduring tributes to her impact is the Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Study Abroad Scholarship, established by the Council in her honor. The scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in international affairs by helping to defray the costs of their study abroad experiences.
Today, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville stands as well-respected organization, ingrained and woven in Jacksonville’s civic and culture community. This success is, in no small part, due to Ambassador McAfee’s leadership, passion, and care. Her vision and dedication laid the foundation for the Council’s lasting influence, earning it such recognitions as the World Affairs Council of America President’s Award (2005) for Outstanding Achievement, the University of North Florida Presidential Medallion (2012) for Exemplary Service, and Innovator in Education distinction (2017) by the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Elizabeth Head, former Vice President of the University of North Florida, said of McAfee, “She is a leader and leaders lead.” Her legacy extends not only in the programs she developed or the numbers she helped grow – it is in the enduring impact she made in cultivating a more informed, globally aware community.
As we celebrate this Women’s History Month, we honor her contributions to diplomatic service, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville, and the world at large. Her work continues to resonate, reminding us that informed citizens are the key to a more connected, compassionate world.
