Michelle Kwan, the first U.S. Department of State American Public Diplomacy Envoy, will depart June 13 for Russia to visit Moscow, Volgograd, and Elista. This is the figure skating champion’s second trip as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy under the auspices of the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs following her highly successful trip to China in January 2007.

As an American Public Diplomacy Envoy, Ms. Kwan promotes cross-cultural dialogue with international youth and increases understanding of America by sharing her story and life experiences. Kwan’s activities in Russia will help commemorate the 200th anniversary of U.S.–Russia diplomatic relations being celebrated this year, and underscores the importance of sports diplomacy. During her visit to Russia, she will meet with students learning English in an ECA-sponsored English language enhancement program for Russian youth in Kalmykia, connect with aspiring student entrepreneurs working on Junior Achievement projects, and share her experiences with women leaders as well as Russian athletes.