U.S. Consul General – Florence, Italy
Key Takeaways:
CG Gupta inspires with her ability to learn a language to such great precision and to integrate herself into the culture of her temporary home country. She spoke about how she overcame racial and gender-based biases during her assignment in Pakistan and how she didn’t let those experiences stop her from excelling in her role. She also explained her current position as the leader of the “American home base” for U.S. citizens living or traveling in Florence. Though the paperwork aspect of her duties sounded grueling, the social gatherings she detailed were thrilling.
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On February 2nd, 2022, Ponte Nuovo students were welcomed to the United States Consulate in Florence for a chance to speak with Consul General Gupta. We were there to learn about her job, her past experiences, and the life that comes with her responsibilities.
CG Gupta briefly explained the path she took to her current job. As I have an interest in international relations, it was fascinating to better understand her path. She started by practicing law, which she said was a common first step for many people in her line of work, and eventually decided that she didn't want to be a lawyer for the rest of her life. She applied to the foreign service where she gradually climbed up the diplomatic ladder. It was amazing to learn that she began doing visa interviews (having been through a visa interview to move to Italy, this was a surprise). From there, she worked hard, moved around the world, and, in 2020, became the Consul General in Florence, leading a team of 40 at its historic palazzo location.
When asked what some of her main responsibilities were, CG Gupta explained that a large part of her job is being the representative of the United States of America in Central Italy and the Republic of San Marino. On top of that, she said she also often worked on securing a "safety net" for American residents and the many college students studying in Florence. As one can imagine, college students, although technically adults, still need some supervision in case they get into trouble with the police, visa officials, or require additional medical help.
With this great responsibility comes important preparation. CG Gupta previously held assignments all over the world, from Jordan to Mexico. Each assignment required different amounts of time in preparation. For example, CG Gupta took six months of Italian classes prior to her current assignment where she learned about culture and politics, as well as the language. However, before she went to Jordan, she spent two years taking Arabic lessons.
CG Gupta has also spent time in Pakistan. When recounting this experience, she shared that, during one meeting there, a Pakistani woman disrespectfully called her an "Indian girl." She said that her being of Indian origin was a problem in the beginning, but it also helped her because India and Pakistan's culture overlapped in places. As a woman, I am constantly intrigued by the professional challenges faced by women working in roles of power.
One other surprising thing CG Gupta explained was that foreign service assignments are never longer than four years. CG Gupta explained that this is so American officials do not forget which country they represent. It made me think about my own relationship with my home country. I've lived outside of the United States for over five years now, and I can definitely say that I have lost some form of connection to the country, so the idea of moving our representatives back and forth to the US makes sense. In my case, I think I have a balanced perspective, as living away from the U.S. has allowed me to see my country from the outside. I am aware of its flaws and strengths, but I am also able to use that perspective see my adopted country Italy's faults and positive aspects. The bond I have with the United States may have faded over the years, but the one between myself and the world has strengthened.
CG Gupta was inspiring and thought-provoking, especially because of my interest in foreign service and international affairs. She and her line of work made me feel excited about my future.
