Harriet Lee Elam the youngest daughter of two very determined working class parents, grew up in one of Boston’s poorest neighborhood’s. During the harsh realities of her youth, she became painfully shy, overweight and insecure. Yet, the little Elam girl, as she was called as a child, fought back by refusing to allow lack of resources, racism or sexism to poison her soul or limit her potential.
“This captivating, inspiring memoir breathes life into the American dream, recounting Elam- Thomas’s exciting, improbable rise through the diplomatic ranks using the arts as a diplomatic tool while proving the value of cultural competency and diversity in U.S. foreign policy.” -Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (ret.)
