Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the United States Department of State
In office April 12, 2021 – June 30, 2023
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Position established
United States Ambassador to Malta
In office May 2, 2012 – January 26, 2016
President	Barack Obama
Preceded by	Douglas Kmiec
Succeeded by	G. Kathleen Hill
Personal details
Born	Gina Kay Abercrombie 1957 (age 67–68) Cleveland Heights, Ohio, U.S.
Spouse	Gerard Winstanley ​ (m. 1982)​
Children	2
Education	George Washington University (BA) Johns Hopkins University (MA)

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, born in 1957, is an American diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. She was the U.S. Ambassador to Malta from 2012 to 2016. President Barack Obama chose her for this important role. Later, in 2021, she became the chief diversity and inclusion officer for the United States Department of State. This job means she helps make sure everyone is treated fairly and included in the State Department.

Early Life and School Days

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She went to Cleveland Heights High School. During high school, she took part in a student exchange program in Israel.

After high school, she studied at George Washington University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University.

A Career in Diplomacy

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley speaking in 2021.

After finishing her studies, Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley became a volunteer. She joined the Peace Corps and worked in Oman. The Peace Corps is a program where Americans help people in other countries.

In 1985, she joined the United States Foreign Service. This is a group of people who work for the U.S. government overseas. Her first job was in Baghdad, Iraq. She then worked at U.S. embassies in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Cairo, Egypt.

Later, she returned to the U.S. to work as a special assistant. She helped Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger with Middle Eastern and African affairs. After learning Arabic in Tunisia, she became a political officer. She worked at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, focusing on relations between Israel and Palestine.

From 1997 to 1998, she worked with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This committee helps make decisions about how the U.S. deals with other countries.

Working for National Security

From 1998 to 2000, Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley worked for the United States National Security Council. This council advises the President on national security and foreign policy. She was a director for the Arabian Peninsula. Later, she became the director of legislative affairs.

Consul General and Counterterrorism

From 2002 to 2005, she served as the consul general in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A consul general is a top diplomat in a city, helping U.S. citizens and businesses. She was the first woman to hold this position there.

In 2004, she showed great bravery during an attack on the U.S. consulate. She was later honored for her courage during this event.

After this, she worked as a director for Middle East studies. Then, she spent two years as a director for Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. From 2008 to 2012, she was the deputy coordinator for counterterrorism. This role involved working to prevent terrorism.

Ambassador and Diversity Leader

In 2012, President Barack Obama chose her to be the U.S. Ambassador to Malta. She served in this important role from May 2, 2012, to January 26, 2016.

On April 12, 2021, she took on a new leadership role. She became the chief diversity and inclusion officer for the United States Department of State. In this job, she works to make sure that the State Department is a fair and welcoming place for everyone.

Personal Life

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley married Gerard A. Winstanley in 1982. They have two adult children.

Awards and Recognition

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley has received many awards for her excellent work. These include Senior Performance Pay, Meritorious, and Superior Honor Awards. She was specifically recognized for her bravery during the 2004 attack on the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

She also received the Community Leadership Award from Foreign Policy for America. The Peace Corps named her a Woman of Achievement. Both Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University have recognized her as a Distinguished Alumna.