Ambassador (retired) dedicated much of her 35-year career in the U.S. Department of State to strengthening connections between U.S. citizens, communities, business and civic organizations with counterparts in countries ranging from Israel to South Africa. Her five years in Mexico and six years serving in Asia gave her unique perspective on how California, and specifically San Diego, can partner across borders to build trade and tourism while enriching cultural and academic ties. A resident of Imperial Beach since 2017, she is honored to contribute to the vital work of the San Diego International Affairs Board. Ambassador Bassett also serves on the board of the San Diego Diplomacy Council, and is a lecturer at the University of San Diego.