Former Foreign Service Youth Member
In Memoriam
The Foreign Service Youth Foundation honors the lives and service of Kay Eakin, former President and President Emerita, and Ambassador Ruth Davis, a valued member of our Advisory Council.
Kay Eakin was instrumental in founding FSYF and strongly supported its work. At the time of her passing in January 2026, she was a member of our Advisory Council and President Emerita of FSYF. She received FSYF’s Youth Advocacy Award. She and her late husband, Terry, had shared a Foreign Service career.
Known for her optimism and positive attitude, as well as her strong support for Foreign Service youth, Kay worked to found the FSYF during her time as Education Counselor in the Department of State’s Family Liaison Office (FLO, now the Global Community Liaison Office). She and her colleagues recognized the need to assist Foreign Service young people (“Third Culture Kids”) adjust to the constant changes of schools, countries and cultures, including transitioning back to the United States after time overseas. She was also the author of the book, According to My Passport I’m Coming Home. After her service in FLO, she continued to work as an education counsellor to assist young people in choosing the right college and a career path beyond.
Ambassador Ruth Davis brought extraordinary experience, wisdom, and excellence in public service to our community. Growing up in the segregated south, Ambassador Davis was a leader and barrier-breaker throughout her long Foreign Service career. She served as Consul General in Barcelona, Ambassador to Benin, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs. She subsequently served as the first African American Director of the Foreign Service Institute (now the National Foreign Affairs Training Center), the State Department’s principal language and training institution, where she helped create its School of Leadership and Management. Ambassador Davis was known for her mentorship and devotion to her colleagues, including a strong commitment to supporting families and young people wherever she served.
While we mourn the loss of Kay Eakin and Ruth Davis, we are deeply grateful for their lasting contributions and extend our condolences to their families and all who knew them. Their legacy and commitment remains a fundamental part of FSYF’s story; we will honor their memory by continuing to serve young people around the world.
