Ertharin Cousin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ertharin Cousin
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Executive Director of the World Food Programme | |
In office April 5, 2012 – April 4, 2017 |
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Secretary General | Ban Ki-moon António Guterres |
Preceded by | Josette Sheeran |
Succeeded by | David Beasley |
United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture | |
In office August 17, 2009 – April 5, 2012 |
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President | Barack Obama |
Preceded by | Gaddi Vasquez |
Succeeded by | David Lane |
Personal details | |
Born | 1957 (age 67–68) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Education | University of Illinois, Chicago (BA) University of Georgia (JD) |
Ertharin Cousin (born in 1957) is an American lawyer. She is well-known for her important work helping people around the world. From 2012 to 2017, she was the leader of the World Food Programme (WFP). This is a big organization that helps feed people who don't have enough to eat. After her time at the WFP, she continued to work on global issues, especially about food and helping communities.
Before leading the WFP, Ertharin Cousin worked for the United States government. From 2009 to 2012, she was the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. This meant she represented the U.S. in meetings about food and farming in Rome, Italy. She also held many other important jobs in both government and private companies. In 2014, Forbes magazine named her one of the world's 100 most powerful women. Time magazine also listed her as one of the 100 most influential people.
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Early Life and Education
Ertharin Cousin grew up in Chicago, Illinois, with her three sisters. Her mother worked in social services, helping people in the community. Her father often volunteered to help develop the community.
In 1971, Ertharin went to Lane Technical High School. This was a top school in Chicago. It had been an all-boys school until that year. She was one of the first girls to attend. She finished high school in 1975.
College and Law School
Ertharin Cousin earned her first degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1979. She then went on to study law. She received her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1982. While there, she studied international law. Her teacher was Dean Rusk, who used to be the U.S. Secretary of State.
After law school, Cousin worked as a lawyer in Illinois. She was an assistant attorney general. She also worked for the Chicago Ethics Board. Later, she worked for AT&T, a large company.
Working in Washington, D.C.
In 1993, Ertharin Cousin moved to Washington, D.C. She worked for the Democratic National Committee. This is a group that helps the Democratic Party.
In 1994, she joined the government under President Bill Clinton. She worked at the U.S. State Department. This department handles how the U.S. interacts with other countries. She received an award for her excellent work there. She also helped during the 1996 Olympic Games.
After that, she helped with President Clinton's re-election campaign in Illinois. When he won, she helped organize his second inauguration in 1997.
Helping with Food and Charity
Ertharin Cousin has spent much of her career helping people get enough food.
Early Food Industry Roles
In 1997, she was appointed to a board that focused on international food and farming. She supported projects by the United States Agency for International Development. This agency helps other countries. At the same time, she worked for Jewel Food stores.
Later, when Albertsons LLC bought Jewel, she became a senior leader there. She managed the company's charity work. She also spoke for Albertsons to the public.
Fighting Hunger in the U.S.
In 2002, Cousin joined the board of America's Second Harvest. This was the largest organization fighting hunger in the U.S. In 2004, she became a top leader there.
One of her big achievements was helping after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This hurricane caused a lot of damage. She led efforts to deliver over 62 million pounds of food to people who needed it. During her time, she helped the organization raise a lot more money to help people.
In 2006, Cousin started her own consulting company. She ran it until 2009.
Public Service as an Ambassador
U.S. Ambassador (2009–2012)

In 2009, President Barack Obama chose Ertharin Cousin for an important job. She became the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. This meant she lived in Rome, Italy. She represented the U.S. in important meetings about food and farming. The U.S. Senate approved her for this role. She started her job on August 17, 2009.
While in Rome, she helped set up new programs to provide aid to countries. She also worked to send food relief to Haiti after a big earthquake in 2010. She once said that it was surprising to be called "Your Excellency." She grew up in a regular neighborhood, so it felt like a long way from home.
Leading the World Food Programme (2012–2017)
In January 2012, it was announced that Ertharin Cousin would become the leader of the UN World Food Programme (WFP). She took over the role on April 5, 2012. The WFP is the world's largest organization that fights hunger.
When she started, she said she supported the WFP's change from just giving out food aid. She believed they should also use other ways to help, like giving cash or vouchers. During her time as leader, the WFP helped many places. This included the Philippines after a typhoon, Syria during its civil war, and the Sahel region in Africa.
Later Career and Other Activities
After leaving the WFP in 2017, Ertharin Cousin continued her work. She became a special professor at Stanford University. There, she focused on food security and how countries develop. She also became a distinguished fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Since 2019, she has been part of a group called the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). This group studies important global issues. She also joined the board of Angeleno Group in 2020. This company invests in clean energy.
Boards and Organizations
Ertharin Cousin serves on the boards of several large companies and non-profit groups. These include:
- Mondelez International (since 2021)
- Bayer (since 2019)
- DSM (since 2018)
- Heifer International (since 2018)
- National Democratic Institute (NDI)
- Women Political Leaders Global Forum (WPL)
Recognition and Awards
Ertharin Cousin has received many honors for her work. In 2015, she was given the Order of Lincoln. This is the highest award in her home state of Illinois.
Forbes magazine often listed her as one of the top 100 most powerful women in the world. In 2016, she was ranked #48. She also received the Humanitarian Award from Action Against Hunger in 2016. Time magazine included her on its list of the 100 most influential people.
Personal Life
Ertharin Cousin is divorced and has one child. She is a baptized Catholic.
See also
In Spanish: Ertharin Cousin para niños