The Ambassador

Two Hats. Two Presidents

By: Carmen Cantor

Narrated by: Ashley N. Cantor

THE AMBASSADOR: Two Hats. Two Presidents. From the shores of Puerto Rico to the halls of American diplomatic power, this remarkable memoir chronicles the extraordinary journey of a career public servant who defied the odds to serve as both a U.S. Ambassador and an Assistant Secretary under two different presidents from opposing political parties.

Unlike the glamorized portrayals of diplomacy in popular media, "The Ambassador" reveals the authentic path to America's highest diplomatic positions, one built not on political connections or campaign donations, but on decades of dedication to public service. With candid reflections on navigating the complex nomination process, insights into the realities of diplomatic life far from the fictional cocktail parties of "Winfield House," and firsthand accounts of leadership challenges across six presidential administrations, this memoir pulls back the curtain on a world few Americans understand.

Both an inspiring personal story and an illuminating guide to how one’s humble beginnings don’t determine how far you go, "The Ambassador: Two Hats. Two Presidents." offers listeners an unprecedented look at what it truly takes to represent the United States on the world stage.

From the Foreword by The Honorable Deb Haaland, Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior: “Carmen's memoir arrives at a crucial moment when we need stories that remind us of our shared humanity. She demonstrates that our backgrounds are not obstacles but strengths, and that true leadership comes from humility, curiosity, and care for others. The young girl who once dreamed of reaching the stars ultimately found her calling connecting earth’s most distant shores.”

©2025 Carmen G. Cantor (P)2025 Carmen G. Cantor

Inspirational and genuine

The Ambassador: Two Hats, Two Presidents is a beautifully authentic audiobook that moved me in ways I didn’t expect. Ambassador Carmen Cantor’s storytelling feels both deeply personal and universally inspiring. Her reflections on growing up in Puerto Rico, staying connected to her roots, and serving under two U.S. presidents are told with warmth, humor, and honesty. The stories are witty and full of heart so real that I often found myself choking up at the end of each chapter. This is not just a story of diplomacy; it’s a story of humanity, resilience, and home.