Victoria Alysha Durgana Latortue’s passing on May 11, 2024, has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her. At just 31 years old, Victoria’s remarkable achievements and contributions have left an indelible mark on diplomacy and academia.
Victoria’s academic journey was impressive and diverse. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from New York University, where her studies spanned economics, political science, and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a Master of Arts in International Security Policy Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.
Victoria’s passion for languages and cultural understanding shone brightly throughout her academic pursuits. Fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, French, and Spanish, she possessed a rare gift for communication and cross-cultural exchange—a skill that would serve her well in her diplomatic career.
Victoria’s dedication to public service and global diplomacy was exemplified by her participation in the esteemed Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Programs. Her diplomatic career took her to Algeria, where she served as a political officer, and later to Israel, where she held the position of vice-consul—a testament to her commitment to fostering international relations and understanding.
In her most recent role as a Foreign Service Officer in the Office of Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, D.C., Victoria demonstrated her exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing global peace and security. Her contributions to diplomacy will be remembered as a beacon of hope and progress in an ever-changing world.
As friends, family, and colleagues gather to honor Victoria’s memory, a visitation will be held at the Costello–Runyon Funeral Home in Metuchen, New Jersey, on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from four to nine o’clock. The funeral ceremony will occur at the Iselin Presbyterian Church in Iselin, New Jersey, on October 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., where Victoria’s life and legacy will be celebrated and cherished by all whose lives she touched.
Victoria Alysha Durgana Latortue’s remarkable journey may have ended, but her spirit of service, compassion, and dedication to making the world a better place will continue to inspire future generations.
