Obituary, Victoria Durgana Latortue Death: U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officer Dies
Victoria Durgana Latortue, a dedicated and accomplished Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State, passed away on May 11, 2024, at the age of 31. Born on November 5, 1992, in Edison, New Jersey, Victoria was a shining example of dedication and passion for her work.
Early Life and Education
Victoria was the daughter of the late Nivedita (Gobin) and Joel Durgana. She graduated from Bishop Ahr High School in Edison, New Jersey, in 2011. She then earned a BA in economics, political science, and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies from New York University. Victoria’s academic achievements were marked by excellence, and she was selected for the prestigious Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program. She earned a Master of Arts in International Security Policy Studies from George Washington University’s Elliot School of International Affairs.
Career and Achievements
Victoria’s career was marked by her dedication to public service. She was a political officer in Algeria and a vice consul in Israel, speaking Arabic, Hebrew, French, and Spanish. Her 2017 U.S. Department of State appointment was highlighted by the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship and the UN Association Graduate Fellowship. As a Pickering Fellow, she worked as an Economic Assistant at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on climate change, wildlife trafficking, and U.S.-Malaysia economic relations. She also served as a Political Assistant in the State Department’s Office of Arabian Peninsula Affairs, overseeing Yemeni conflict settlement and humanitarian aid.
Victoria became a Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, covering presidential elections, human rights, and religious freedom. Her career continued as a Desk Officer for Algeria and Libya in Washington, D.C. Victoria worked at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs’ Institute for Security and Conflict Studies before entering government. In addition, she earned degrees from the Elliott School in Security Policy Studies with a focus on Nuclear Security Policy and Conflict Resolution in Africa and from New York University in Politics, Economics, and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.
Tributes and Legacy
Victoria’s passing has left a void in the lives of her family, friends, and colleagues. Her dedication to public service and her passion for her work are an inspiration to many. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family with funeral and other expenses during this difficult time. The goal for the page “In Loving Memory of Victoria: Support for Her Family” was set at $50,000, and it has already raised $5,493 USD.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 7 pm to 9 pm at Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, located at 568 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen 08840. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10 am at the Inelin Presbyterian Church, located at 1295 Oak Tree Road, Iselin, NJ. Interment will take place at Hazel Wood Cemetery, Rahway, NJ.
In conclusion, Victoria Durgana Latortue’s passing is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life. Her accomplishments, dedication, and service to the community will be remembered and cherished. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
