The journey of James "Jimmy" Story from a little town in South Carolina to American diplomacy is a motivational narrative of commitment and duty. As the U.S. Ambassador for the Venezuela Affairs Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Story likely never dreamed he would one day play a significant role in U.S.-Venezuela relations while growing up in Moncks Corner. However, he did just that from November 18, 2020, to May 19, 2023—stepping up to assist America's approach to this crucial partnership amid a challenging moment. He has a reputation as an accomplished diplomat who performs well under pressure because of his work in that capacity.
Story is currently pursuing his lifetime commitment to public service as a Senior Fellow at Georgetown University. He shares the knowledge he has gained from a career that has brought him all around the world in order to assist prepare the next generation of leaders. He served as Chargé d'Affaires in Curacao, Eswatini, Angola, and Venezuela during its operating suspension, among other places in some of the most dynamic parts of the world. He has also held positions as Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and U.S. Consul General in Rio de Janeiro, where he oversaw everything from international crime prevention to diplomacy.
On October 14th, 2024, Story visited his alma mater, the University of South Carolina (USC). He was invited by the Walker Institute to address students from a variety of academic programs, including the Darla Moore School of Business, Global Studies, and Cyber Policy & Ethics. It was an uncommon chance for these students to gain firsthand knowledge from someone who has experienced the intricacies of international diplomacy. In addition to sharing anecdotes from his career, Ambassador Story took the time to respond to their questions regarding the most important global issues of today and discuss how he has handled changing international environments.
Throughout the conversation, Story's sincerity was evident. He gave an honest account of his path from a USC student to an ambassador and provided insight into the inner workings of the US Department of State. Students who envisioned their own careers on the international scene were inspired by his openness and readiness to consider both his achievements and difficulties, which gave the session a personal and interesting aspect.
The journey of Ambassador Story hasn't always been simple; it calls for perseverance, diligence, and a strong desire to help others. Story, who has degrees from Georgetown University and the University of South Carolina and speaks Portuguese and Spanish well, has won multiple awards for his important contributions to U.S. foreign policy. In addition to giving a talk, his visit encouraged students to look into jobs with the Department of State and other organizations by putting them in positions that might have an impact on the globe. He understands that his journey, from small-town to international diplomacy, can serve as a signal for those looking to make their own contributions to the world.