Bonnie Jenkins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bonnie Jenkins
18th Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs
In office July 22, 2021 – December 31, 2024
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Andrea L. Thompson
Succeeded by	C.S. Eliot Kang (acting)
Coordinator for Threat Reduction Programs
In office July 13, 2009 – January 19, 2017
President	Barack Obama
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Vacant
Personal details
Born	New York City, New York, U.S.
Education	Amherst College (BA) State University of New York, Albany (JD, MPA) Georgetown University (LLM) University of Virginia (PhD)

Bonnie Denise Jenkins was born in Queens, New York. She is an American diplomat who worked as a top official for arms control and international security in the U.S. government. She served in the Joe Biden administration. Before that, during the Barack Obama administration, she helped manage programs to reduce threats from dangerous weapons. Today, she is a visiting professor at George Washington University.

Early Life and Education

Bonnie Jenkins grew up in the South Bronx area of New York City. Her family did not have a lot of money. She was able to go to college and get a good education because she received scholarships.

She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Amherst College in 1982. She studied psychology and black studies. Later, she received two more degrees from the State University of New York at Albany in 1988. These were a law degree (Juris Doctor) and a Master of Public Administration. She continued her studies, getting a Master of Laws from Georgetown University in 1995. In 2005, she earned her highest degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in international relations, from the University of Virginia.

Career Highlights

Jenkins at the Halifax International Security Forum in 2017

Bonnie Jenkins has had an important career working for the U.S. government and in academics. She has focused on international security and preventing the spread of dangerous weapons.

Working for the Government

Jenkins started her government career as a special fellow. She worked in different roles for the Secretary of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget. After this, she became a legal advisor for the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. For nearly ten years, she helped U.S. ambassadors and teams negotiate treaties. These treaties were about controlling weapons and stopping their spread.

Later, she worked as a lawyer for a U.S. commission. This group looked at how the government could fight the spread of weapons of mass destruction. She also advised the 2000 National Commission on Terrorism.

Jenkins was also a lawyer for the 9/11 Commission. This commission investigated the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. She was the main staff member looking into counter-terrorism policies and military plans before 9/11.

Academic and Research Work

In 2000, Jenkins began her PhD studies. During this time, she was a research fellow at the RAND Corporation. She focused on weapons of mass destruction. She also worked at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. There, she advised students at Harvard Law School.

After finishing her PhD in 2005, she worked for the Ford Foundation. She helped give grants to projects that encouraged public discussion about U.S. foreign policy. She supported ideas like multiculturalism and solving problems peacefully. She has also taught at Georgetown University Law School. She helped lead practice negotiations for arms control at Stanford University. Currently, she is a visiting professor at George Washington University.

Military Service

Bonnie Jenkins also served in the military. She started in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps in the Air Force Reserves. Later, she joined the U.S. Naval Reserves. She served for over twenty years, including during Operation Enduring Freedom. She received many awards for her service. These include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Work in the Obama Administration

Jenkins with Secretary of State John Kerry in 2016

During the Obama administration, Bonnie Jenkins became the U.S. Department of State's Coordinator for Threat Reduction Programs. She held the rank of ambassador. She also represented the U.S. in the G7 Global Partnership. This group works to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). She led this partnership in 2012.

Jenkins was also a key person for the Nuclear Security Summit. She helped coordinate the State Department's efforts to secure dangerous nuclear materials. She worked to promote and coordinate programs that reduce threats from these weapons. She also worked with international groups and non-governmental organizations. She was a legal advisor for important treaties like the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Jenkins was also involved in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). This is an international effort with over 50 countries. It aims to reduce threats from infectious diseases like Ebola and Zika. She worked with governments to make sure they understood that GHSA needs everyone to work together. She also helped create a network for the next generation of leaders in global health security.

She also focused on involving African countries in efforts to prevent chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons threats. She helped create a program called Threat Reduction in Africa (TRIA). This program makes sure U.S. efforts in this area meet the needs of African countries.

Work After the Obama Administration

In September 2017, Jenkins started a non-profit organization called Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security (WCAPS). This group helps women of color become leaders in international peace and security. She led this organization until mid-2021.

In November 2020, she was part of the team that helped Joe Biden's presidential transition. She supported efforts related to the United States Department of State.

Work in the Biden Administration

Jenkins with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in 2022

In March 2021, President Biden nominated Bonnie Jenkins for a very important role. She was chosen to be the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs. This means she would be a top diplomat for arms control and international security. The Senate confirmed her nomination on July 21, 2021. She officially started her new job on July 22, 2021. She served in this role until December 31, 2024.

Personal Life

Bonnie Jenkins was part of A Better Chance. This non-profit helps talented young people of color attend excellent high schools. She attended The Spence School in New York City. In 2023, she became an honorary member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.