Constance Berry Newman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Constance Berry Newman
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| 14th United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs | |
| In office July 24, 2004 – April 21, 2005 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Walter H. Kansteiner III |
| Succeeded by | Jendayi Frazer |
| Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management | |
| In office 1989–1992 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Constance Horner |
| Succeeded by | Kay Coles James |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 8, 1935 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Bates College (BA) University of Minnesota (JD) |
Constance Ernestine Berry Newman (born July 8, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois) is an American lawyer and diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. She served as the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from July 2004 to April 2005. This important role meant she helped guide America's relationships with countries in Africa.
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Early Life and School
Constance Berry Newman grew up with a father who was a doctor and a mother who was a social worker and nurse. She went to Tuskegee Institute High School and graduated in 1951. She was a great student and was active in the Government Club.
After high school, she studied Political Science at Bates College. Later, she earned a law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1959. This education helped her prepare for a long career in public service.
A Career in Public Service
Constance Newman spent many years working for the U.S. government. She held many different jobs, helping people and making a difference.
Helping People and Communities
From 1962 to 1967, she worked for the United States Department of the Interior. She helped with managing people and their jobs. Then, from 1967 to 1969, she worked with migrant farmers. These are people who travel to different places to work on farms.
From 1969 to 1971, she was a special helper to Elliot Richardson. He led what is now called the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This department helps with health and well-being for Americans.
In 1971, President Richard Nixon chose Newman to lead AmeriCorps VISTA. This program is like the Peace Corps, but it helps people right here in the U.S.
Protecting Consumers
From 1973 to 1976, Newman worked at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Her job was to help make sure that products people buy are safe to use. She also helped with housing issues for Native Americans and older people. This was when she worked for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
After leaving government for a short time, she started her own company. It helped businesses understand government rules.
Working Around the World
From 1982 to 1984, she was the President of the Institute of American Business. She also worked as a consultant, focusing on issues in Africa. She even lived and worked in Lesotho, a country in Southern Africa, for a World Bank project. The World Bank helps countries with development and reducing poverty. In 1985, she received an award for her great public service.
Leading Government Agencies
From 1989 to 1992, Constance Newman was the Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management. This office manages all the people who work for the U.S. government. She worked to make the office better and help government workers do their best.
From 1992 to 2000, she was an Under Secretary at the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian is a famous group of museums and research centers. She received the Joseph Henry Medal, which is the Smithsonian's highest award, for her amazing work there.
She also helped with important boards. From 1995 to 2001, she was on the board for the District of Columbia's finances. From 1998 to 2001, she was on the board of the International Republican Institute. In 1998, she was named "Washingtonian of the Year."
Focus on Africa
From 2001 to 2004, Newman worked for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID helps countries around the world with money and support. She focused on helping countries in Africa.
In 2004, President George W. Bush appointed her as the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. This was a very important job. She helped decide that terrible things, like genocide, were happening in the Darfur region of Sudan. Genocide is when a large group of people are killed, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation.
She left this role in April 2005. Today, she is still a member of the board of directors for the International Republican Institute. In 2019, she was recognized as one of the first people to be inducted into the Government Hall of Fame. This shows how important her work in government has been.
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Constance Berry Newman
