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 work fighting hunger around the world. From 2012 to 2017, she was the head of the World Food Programme (WFP). This is a big organization that helps feed people globally.
Before leading the WFP, Ertharin Cousin worked for the United States government. She was an ambassador for food and agriculture agencies in the United Nations. She also worked in different jobs in the food industry and for charities. 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. Her father often volunteered to help their community.
In 1971, she joined Lane Technical High School. This was a top school that had only been for boys before. She graduated in 1975.
Cousin went to the University of Illinois at Chicago. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1979. Then, she studied law at the University of Georgia School of Law. She got her law degree in 1982. There, she learned about international law from a former U.S. Secretary of State, Dean Rusk.
After law school, Cousin worked 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. In 1994, she joined the Clinton administration. She worked at the U.S. State Department. There, she received an award for her excellent service. She also helped with the 1996 Olympic Games.
After that, she helped with the 1996 presidential campaign. When the campaign won, she helped organize the celebration for the president's second inauguration in 1997.
Helping with Food and Charity
In 1997, Cousin was chosen to join a board for International Food and Agricultural Development. She helped with farming projects supported by the United States Agency for International Development. At the same time, she worked for Jewel Food stores. Later, she became a senior leader at Albertsons, another food company. She also led Albertsons' charity foundation.
In 2002, Cousin joined the board of America's Second Harvest. This was the biggest hunger organization in the U.S. In 2004, she became a top leader there. She helped the organization respond to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They sent over 62 million pounds of food to people who needed it. During her time, the organization's income grew a lot.
In 2006, Cousin started her own consulting firm. She later handed it over to her son. This allowed her to accept a new important role.
Public Service Roles
U.S. Ambassador (2009–2012)
In 2009, President Barack Obama chose Ertharin Cousin to be an ambassador. She became the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. She worked in Rome, Italy. She was confirmed by the United States Senate and started her role on August 17, 2009.
In Rome, she created new aid programs for countries. She also helped provide food to Port-au-Prince after the terrible 2010 Haiti earthquake. She said that hearing people call her "Your Excellency" was a big surprise. She grew up in a normal neighborhood, so it felt very different.
Leading the World Food Programme (2012–2017)
In January 2012, Ertharin Cousin was chosen to lead the UN World Food Programme (WFP). She started her job on April 5, 2012. She was the twelfth person to hold this important position.
Cousin believed the WFP should focus on "food assistance." This means not just giving out food, but also using other ways to help. These include giving cash or vouchers to people. During her time, the WFP helped people in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan. They also helped people in Syria during its civil war and in the Sahel region of Africa.
Later Career and Other Activities
After leaving the WFP, Ertharin Cousin became a professor at Stanford University. She teaches about international studies. She also works with centers that focus on food security and democracy. She is also a fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Since 2019, Cousin has been part of a special group at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). This group works on how to get help to people in need.
She also serves on the boards of several companies, like Mondelez International and Bayer. She is also involved with many non-profit organizations. These include Heifer International and the National Democratic Institute. She helps with groups that support women leaders around the world.
Awards and Recognition
Ertharin Cousin has received many honors. In 2015, she was given the Order of Lincoln. This is the highest award in Illinois. Forbes magazine listed her many times as one of the top 100 most powerful women globally. In 2016, she received the Humanitarian Award from Action Against Hunger. She was also named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.
Personal Life
Ertharin Cousin is divorced and has one child. She is a baptized Catholic.
Sources
See also
In Spanish: Ertharin Cousin para niños
