The Biden-Harris administration is the most diverse in history. And there is a record number of women leading American diplomatic efforts.
The late Madeline Albright was a pioneer throughout her life and career. In 1997, she became the first woman to serve as Secretary of State, becoming the woman to hold the highest office in U.S. government history at the time. She was a fierce advocate for democracy and a skilled negotiator.
Since then, the number of women in senior leadership positions in the U.S. government has increased exponentially. Most notably, of course, is the election of Kamala Harris as Vice President. The first woman in the role, Kamala also broke the invisible barrier that prevents a demographic group from climbing certain hierarchical levels and became the first Black American Vice President and the first South Asian elected.
Together with President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Kamala represents the United States and its interests in the international community. She has traveled around the world to discuss U.S. foreign policy with partners on issues ranging from economic prosperity in the Pacific to the global response to Covid-19 and solidarity with Ukraine and NATO.
Wendy Sherman is Deputy Secretary of State. Linda Thomas-Greenfield is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. And Samantha Power heads the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
At the State Department and USAID, female leaders are also advancing U.S. foreign policy — and in record numbers.
It’s a long list of impressive and talented women in Washington — managing virtually every portfolio in the Department. Abroad, female ambassadors are also making their mark — managing U.S. Embassies and bilateral relations in over 40 countries.
Together, they possess vast knowledge and experience. And they contribute to a more diverse and inclusive diplomatic workforce that looks more like the United States.
As Blinken has emphasized*, “diversity and inclusion make our diplomatic team stronger, smarter, more creative, more innovative.”
Source: share.america.gov