Callista Gingrich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Callista Gingrich
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Official portrait, 2017
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| United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Nominee |
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| Assuming office TBD |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Succeeding | Scott Miller |
| United States Ambassador to the Holy See | |
| In office December 22, 2017 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Ken Hackett |
| Succeeded by | Joe Donnelly |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Callista Louise Bisek
March 4, 1966 Whitehall, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Education | Luther College (BA) |
Callista Gingrich (born March 4, 1966) is an American diplomat, author, and businesswoman. She served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 2017 to 2021. This means she was the official representative of the U.S. to the Holy See, which is the government of the Catholic Church. In December 2024, she was chosen to be the U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
She is also the head of Gingrich 360, a company that creates books and films. Callista Gingrich is married to Newt Gingrich, who used to be the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Callista Louise Bisek was born in Whitehall, Wisconsin. Her family called her "Cally Lou." Her father worked in a factory, and her mother was a secretary. She has family roots from Poland and Switzerland.
In 1984, she graduated from Whitehall Memorial High School. She was the top student in her class, known as the valedictorian. Callista loved music from a young age. She went to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. There, she studied music and graduated with honors in 1988.
Career in Washington
After college in 1988, Callista Gingrich moved to Washington, D.C.. She started as an intern for a Republican Congressman named Steve Gunderson. An intern is someone who works to gain experience. After her internship, she joined his staff and worked there until 1995.
In 1995, she began working for the House Committee on Agriculture. This committee helps make laws about farming and food. She was the chief clerk there until 2007.
Creating Books and Films
After leaving her work in Congress, Callista Gingrich started a company called Gingrich Productions with her husband. This company creates many types of media. They make documentary films about history and public policy. They also publish books and newsletters.
They have hosted ten documentaries together. These films cover topics like American history and important figures. Some titles include Journey to America and Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny.
Callista Gingrich has also written seven children's books. These books feature a character called Ellis the Elephant. The books teach children about American history. Two of her books, Sweet Land of Liberty and Land of the Pilgrims' Pride, became bestsellers. Other books in the series include Yankee Doodle Dandy and Christmas in America. She also wrote a book about U.S. presidents called Hail to the Chief.
She has also co-written books for adults with her husband. One example is Rediscovering God in America.
Serving as an Ambassador
In May 2017, President Donald Trump chose Callista Gingrich to be the United States Ambassador to the Holy See. The United States Senate approved her nomination in October 2017. On December 22, 2017, she officially started her job. She presented her credentials to Pope Francis. This means she gave her official documents to the Pope.
As Ambassador, she worked to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and the Holy See. She helped return an important letter written by Christopher Columbus that had been stolen. She also helped bring medical aid to Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In December 2024, she was nominated to be the U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland.
Awards and Recognitions
Callista Gingrich has received several awards for her work:
- In 2018, she received an honorary doctorate degree from the Ave Maria School of Law.
- In 2019, she was given the Sue M. Cobb Award. This is a high honor from the U.S. Department of State for excellent diplomatic service.
- In 2020, Pope Francis gave her the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX. This is a very high award from the Holy See.
- In 2023, she received a Distinguished Service Award from Luther College.
- In 2024, she received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. This award recognizes people who have made great contributions to the United States.
Other Activities
Callista Gingrich is involved in several other organizations. She is the president of the Gingrich Foundation. She also serves on the boards of various groups. These include the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Richard Nixon Foundation.
Personal Life
Callista Bisek met Newt Gingrich in 1993. They were married on August 18, 2000. Callista is a lifelong Catholic. She played a role in her husband's decision to become Catholic in 2009. The Gingriches live in McLean, Virginia.
See also
In Spanish: Calista Gingrich para niños
