Washington, D.C. – In a moment filled with nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt gratitude, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Leadership Award on May 7, 2025, during a ceremony that celebrated his decades of public service and dedication to American foreign and domestic affairs.

Rubio opened his remarks with characteristic wit, joking about the finality implied in the phrase “lifetime award.”

“It’s a little scary because it’s like, ‘That’s it, you’re over.’ Usually, they give it to you at the end,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

Attending the event alongside his wife Jeanette, Rubio used the occasion to reflect on his beginnings—as a college intern in the office of Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in Miami. He credited that early experience with shaping his commitment to public service.

“I remember walking in and thinking, ‘I don’t know what I want to do with my life, but I want to do this,’” he said, referencing his exposure to the day-to-day issues that mattered to constituents—like passports, immigration, and family reunification.

Rubio’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship. He praised Ros-Lehtinen and Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, whose recommendation letters helped him get into law school. Years later, he would use the same constituent-focused approach as a senator, remembering how Ileana “would walk into any room, and people would walk up and say, ‘You helped my mother,’ ‘You helped my cousin,’ or ‘You got my grandmother out of Cuba.’”

The award ceremony wasn’t just a nod to Rubio’s past—it was also a reminder of his ongoing commitment. As Secretary of State, he continues to shape U.S. foreign policy and uphold democratic values on the global stage.

“It’s a tremendous honor to serve… and there’s still more work to do,” Rubio concluded.

As Etamagazine champions stories of leadership, service, and impact across the globe, Rubio’s journey reminds us that great leaders often begin with small steps—and the courage to serve others first.

Stay tuned to Etamagazine for more inspiring stories from global changemakers.

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