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June 4, 2024 31 mins
On the Available Worldwide podcast, we want to highlight the inspiring stories of the accompanying partners of the Foreign Service. But, we don't want to hide the very real challenges that many spouses face. 

In this interview for Pride month, you'll hear Maciej Szumny share some of the challenges he has faced as a same-sex partner and foreign-born spouse. You'll be inspired by Maciej's resilience, optimism, and adaptability. And he's a great storyteller!

Maciej also shares important, actionable advice for other spouses who leave their home countries to join diplomatic spouses moving from post to post. 
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BIO
Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, Maciej Szumny had a successful career working in Public Relations and Marketing for big international companies like Nike and Reebok. He was a published poet and a writer, cooperating with different lifestyle magazines in Poland and the UK.

One day he met his future husband who was posted to the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. They fell in love, and Maciej decided to leave everything behind to start a new life as a diplomatic spouse.

Maciej has lived in Praia, Cabo Verde, Montreal, Canada, and Washington DC, where he became the number-one seller of the luxury line of Armani fragrances in the United States.

Maciej was most recently living in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, where he took care of his family of six, including four canine members. He also spent time saving the lives of homeless animals, earning him the nickname Saint Maciej of Assisi.

Maciej and his spouse are currently PCSing back to Washington D.C. where Maciej is open to new professional opportunities
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AW SPONSOR: DIPLODASH
This episode is sponsored by DiploDash

Are you struggling to figure out how you will survive PCS? If sorting your shipments, planning logistics, and managing pack-out days wakes you from a deep sleep, DiploDash® can help!

When you hire DiploDash to support your PCS, you get a partner in the process. We have been there -- overwhelmed by the packers swirling around us while battling decision fatigue. We've also struggled with PCS amnesia and the strong desire to pretend like it isn't really happening.

Working with DiploDash you have an advocate supporting you through your move. You don't have to go it alone!

Get the PCS help you want. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.

www.DiploDash.com
https://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/
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