Carol Bellamy facts for kids
Carol Bellamy (born January 14, 1942) is an American leader who has worked in government and for many important organizations. She is currently the chair of the board for the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). Before this, she led the Peace Corps, was the executive director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and was president and CEO of World Learning. She also chairs ECPAT International, an organization that works to protect children from harm. Carol Bellamy was the first woman to be elected to a citywide office in New York City, serving as the President of the New York City Council.
Quick facts for kids
Carol Bellamy
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Speaking in 2008
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| Executive Director of UNICEF | |
| In office May 1, 1995 – May 1, 2005 |
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| Secretary General | Boutros Boutros-Ghali Kofi Annan |
| Preceded by | Richard Jolly (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Ann Veneman |
| 13th Director of the Peace Corps | |
| In office October 7, 1993 – May 1, 1995 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Elaine Chao |
| Succeeded by | Mark Gearan |
| President of the New York City Council | |
| In office January 1, 1978 – December 31, 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Paul O'Dwyer |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Stein |
| Member of the New York State Senate | |
| In office January 1, 1973 – December 31, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | John J. Marchi |
| Succeeded by | Martin Connor |
| Constituency | 23rd district (1973–1974) 25th district (1975–1977) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 14, 1942 Plainfield, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Liberal (1985) |
| Education | Gettysburg College (BA) New York University (JD) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Carol Bellamy was born in Plainfield, New Jersey in 1942. She grew up in Scotch Plains. She finished Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in 1959. She then went to Gettysburg College and graduated in 1963.
After college, she joined the Peace Corps. She volunteered in Guatemala from 1963 to 1965. Later, she earned her law degree from New York University School of Law in 1968.
Political Career
Carol Bellamy has held several important political roles.
New York State Senate
From 1973 to 1977, Bellamy was a member of the New York State Senate. This is part of the state's government that makes laws.
New York City Council
In 1977, Carol Bellamy ran for President of the New York City Council. This was a big challenge. She didn't have as much money for her campaign as her opponents.
Despite this, she did very well in the first election. She then won a second election against the person who was already in office. In November, she easily won the general election. This made her the first woman ever elected to a citywide office in New York City. She served as Council President until 1985.
Peace Corps Director
From 1993 to 1995, Carol Bellamy led the Peace Corps. President Bill Clinton chose her for this job. She was the first director who had also been a Peace Corps volunteer herself. The Peace Corps sends American volunteers to help people in other countries.
Global Leadership Roles
Carol Bellamy has also worked with major international organizations.
Leading UNICEF
In 1995, Carol Bellamy was chosen to be the executive director of UNICEF. This is the United Nations Children's Fund. It works to help children around the world. She was appointed by Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who was the head of the United Nations at the time.
She was given a second five-year term in 2000 by Kofi Annan, the next UN Secretary-General. During her time, UNICEF's funding grew a lot. She helped make sure the organization was financially strong.
GCERF
Since 2014, Carol Bellamy has been the Chair of the Governing Board of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). This fund helps local communities become stronger. It works to prevent violent extremism by supporting things like job creation and helping women and young people.
World Learning and Fair Labor Association
In 2005, Bellamy became the President and CEO of World Learning. This organization works in many countries. It helps people learn about global citizenship. It also supports community development programs.
In 2007, she became the chair of the board for the Fair Labor Association (FLA). The FLA works to protect workers' rights. It tries to stop unfair labor practices around the world.
Honors and Awards
Carol Bellamy has received many awards for her work.
In 1981, she was chosen as one of the first Young Leaders of the French-American Foundation. She also received the Medal of Distinction from Barnard College in 1982.
For her work with UNICEF, Japan gave her the Order of the Rising Sun in 2006. In 2009, France honored her with the Legion of Honour.
