Helen Reed-Rowe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Reed-Rowe
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| United States Ambassador to Palau | |
| In office September 30, 2010 – July 26, 2013 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Amy J. Hyatt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1949 (age 75–76) Baltimore, Maryland |
| Alma mater | University of Maryland, Eastern Shore BA Naval War College MA |
Helen Reed-Rowe was a very important diplomat. She was born in 1949. She worked for the United States government for many years. Her most famous role was being the first-ever U.S. Ambassador to the country of Palau. An ambassador is like a special representative from one country to another. They help keep good relationships between nations.
Early Life and School
Helen Patricia Reed was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1949. Her parents were Gladys and John W. Reed, Sr. Helen said her family helped her care about what was happening around the world. She grew up in the Cherry Hill area of Baltimore.
Helen went to public schools and graduated with honors from Edmondson High School. She was the first person in her family to go to college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. This college was once known as Maryland State College, a Historically Black College. While in college, she was part of the National Honor Society. She was also listed in "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities."
A Career in Diplomacy
Helen Reed-Rowe joined the Foreign Service in 1986. The Foreign Service is a group of people who work for the U.S. Department of State. They represent the United States in other countries. She worked in many different places around the world. She served in countries like Niger, Ecuador, and Jamaica. She was also a high-ranking official in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
In Washington, D.C., she worked in different departments. These departments focused on areas like the Near East, Europe, and Africa. She also helped with hiring new people for the Foreign Service. She advised on how the State Department was performing. She even worked with a group focused on bird flu.
In 2008, Helen Reed-Rowe earned a master's degree. She studied National Security and Strategic Studies at the Naval War College. This college is in Newport, Rhode Island.
Becoming an Ambassador
On August 9, 2010, President Obama chose Helen Reed-Rowe for a very special job. She was to become the first U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Palau. Before this, the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines also handled relations with Palau. This meant Palau didn't have its own dedicated U.S. ambassador living there.
The United States Senate had to approve her appointment. After they did, she was sworn in on September 27, 2010. Ambassador Reed-Rowe then helped set up the new U.S. embassy in Koror, Palau. This was an important step for the relationship between the two countries.
She finished her work in Palau on July 26, 2013. Amy J. Hyatt took over as the next ambassador. After Palau, Reed-Rowe joined the United States Army War College. There, she helped train future military and international leaders. She officially retired from the Foreign Service in July 2014.
During her career, Helen Reed-Rowe received many awards. These included awards from the Department of State. She also got special recognition from the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. The U.S. Army also gave her an award for her excellent civilian service.
Personal Life
Besides English, Helen Reed-Rowe can also speak Spanish and French. She has two grown-up children. Their names are Nikkia Rowe and Kevin Anthony Rowe.
See also
- List of ambassadors of the United States
