When Aviva Rosenthal graduated from Redwood High School in 1990, she never imagined that just a few years later, she’d be flying around the world with the president of the United States aboard Air Force One. She never dreamed she would one day represent America on the world stage as a senior member of the Smithsonian Institution.

Rosenthal’s achievements recently earned her the honor of being selected for the Avenue of Giants, an exclusive recognition reserved for Redwood’s most distinguished alumni. She looks back on her experience at Redwood as instrumental in shaping her lifetime career in public service.

“I think back to all those experiences on the Bark and in drama, and how they helped shape me into the person that I’ve become today. I was honored to think that the career that I’ve had was on par with some of the incredible people that I’ve seen be honored in the past,” Rosenthal said.

Her selection for the Avenue of Giants was exciting news to a fellow Redwood 1990 graduate, former Bark editor Lesley Reidy. 

“She always possessed a real inherent sense of self and purpose, and I think that that was notable on the Bark staff, and inspiring to all of us who had the pleasure of working with her,” Reidy said. 

Currently, Rosenthal works at the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, as the director of the Office of Global Affairs, where she focuses on strategic priorities in a variety of international projects and activities. She frequently travels to other countries, with the hope of strengthening the cultural ties between countries across the globe. 

“When I’m representing the [Smithsonian] Institution, I am representing the best of the American people, the values and the history that the Smithsonian is known for,” Rosenthal said.

As a young government official in the 1990s, she worked as a member of the advance team that helped to pre-plan the president’s trips while visiting a given place. Her official position was the Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Scheduling for the Clinton Administration. 

“I feel like that’s the job that was for me. It’s a bit like you’re a producer. You are listening to what everyone wants in the White House on a presidential trip, what message they want to send, what kind of picture they want it to be, what kind of people they want him to meet,” Rosenthal said.  “You get to relay all that information to the advanced team, and then the Advance team is telling you what’s actually going on on the ground.” 

In high school, one of Rosenthal’s favorite experiences was working on the Bark, which taught her countless lessons that she has carried through her life. 

“I think that more than anything, [the Bark] gave us our first taste of independence. We all shared a similar mission and passion and working with other people who cared about the same things that I did, that is something that I strive for in my adult life,” Rosenthal said.

Throughout her career, public service has played a key role in all of her jobs. Rosenthal gave a piece of advice directed toward young adults and teens about the importance of public service. 

“I think everyone, in their own way, needs to participate in public service, and the obvious way would be just to vote. Volunteering in your community is another way and a way to be connected,” Rosenthal said.  “For me, I quickly found that working through policy and working at the national level, both domestically and internationally, helped to shape my current appreciation for public service, and I hope this work can continue for generations to come.”

Reidy hopes Rosenthal will inspire others to follow in her footsteps in the field of Public Service. 

“I hope that when kids see [Rosenthal’s] story on the wall as they walk by [during] passing periods, someone will stop and read about her. I hope that it touches current students and proves as an inspiration for what you put your mind to and work hard at, you can achieve,” Reidy said.