Shefali Razdan Duggal
Keynote Speaker
U.S. Ambassador to The Kingdom of the Netherlands (2022-2025)
Audiences experience an engaging, heartfelt journey from humble beginnings to global leadership. As the first person of color to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, Shefali learned that true influence begins with empathy, courage, and connection. Shefali's talks inspire individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, authenticity, and optimism—reminding all of us of the enduring promise of the American Dream.
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Shefali Razdan Duggal was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on September 20, 2022, and presented her credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on October 19, 2022. She is the first person of color to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Shefali is currently a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Council of American Ambassadors, Foreign Policy for America, Meridian International Center, Focused Ultrasound Council, Wake Forest Character & Leadership Council, and a Board Member of the Netherlands America Foundation.
Prior to serving in the Biden Administration, Ambassador Razdan Duggal was a San Francisco Committee member for Human Rights Watch and served on the National Advisory Board of Inside Washington at Miami University of Ohio. She actively engaged in political advocacy, serving on the National Finance Committee for Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign and serving as a National Co-Chair of Women for Biden. Shefali also held the position of Deputy National Finance Chair at the Democratic National Committee.
From 2014 to 2020, she served on the National Board of Directors of EMILY’s List. She was appointed by President Barack Obama to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Council (2014–2018) and later served as a Western Regional Advisor to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in numerous national political campaigns.
A Kashmiri Pandit born in Haridwar, U.P., India, Ambassador Razdan Duggal moved to the United States at the age of two and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was raised by a single mom, who worked two minimum-wage jobs to support them, working hard as a seamstress during the day and cutting vegetables at the local grocery store in the evening. Ambassador Razdan Duggal had nothing handed to her and worked her way up from her humble beginnings, with a heart focused on giving back and mentoring the next generation. Her hope is to continue inspiring people to have faith in themselves, as she fundamentally believes in the possibilities of the American Dream. For love and loyalty to the United States, Ambassador Razdan Duggal became a naturalized U.S. citizen on November 16, 1990.
Ambassador Razdan Duggal holds a B.S. in Mass Communication, with a minor in Political Science, from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and an M.A. in Media Ecology from New York University. She also received an honorary doctorate from Miami University.
On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, the Dutch honored her by naming a fuchsia pink tulip, the “Tulipa Shefali,” making her the first ambassador to the Netherlands from any country to receive such a tribute. That same year, she was nominated for the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service for her work representing the United States in the Netherlands—the first U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands to receive this nomination.
Ambassador Razdan Duggal is known for her values of authenticity, kindness, positivity, hard work, and service.
Shefali Razdan Duggal’s Speech Topics
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Redefining Leadership in a Global Era
As the first person of color U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, Shefali Razdan Duggal challenged norms and transformed diplomacy with authenticity and innovation. She reveals how leveraging belonging and fresh perspectives can fuel disruption, transformation, and global leadership. A must hear for audiences navigating change and seeking inclusive, future-forward leadership.
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From Immigrant to U.S. Ambassador: Lessons in Leadership & Impact
From an immigrant childhood in Cincinnati to serving as U.S. Ambassador, Shefali embodies the modern American Dream. Her story of perseverance, identity, and purpose delivers actionable lessons on leadership, resilience, and impact. A deeply inspiring keynote for audiences seeking proof that values, courage, and vision can turn adversity into achievement.
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Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion
A powerful story of overcoming barriers and creating meaningful connections across divides. As a woman of color in U.S. politics and diplomacy, Shefali illustrates how inclusive leadership, empathy, and collaboration can break ceilings and build bridges. An inspiring choice for audiences focused on belonging and leadership in action.
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The Power of Purpose: Leading with Heart and Hustle
Purpose is more than a buzzword, it’s the engine of sustainable leadership. Shefali demonstrates how combining empathy (“heart”) with drive and execution (“hustle”) creates meaningful impact. This keynote equips leaders to clarify their “why,” motivate teams, and align values with results in today’s purpose-driven business environment.
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The Long Game: Building Resilience in Uncertain Times
Discover how to lead with resilience when change, disruption, and uncertainty are the new normal. Drawing from her own high-stakes leadership journey, Shefali Razdan Duggal shares practical strategies for staying grounded, adaptable, and courageous through volatility. Perfect for organizations seeking tools to strengthen leadership, teams, and culture in today’s unpredictable world.
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