Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón
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Official portrait, 2023
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| United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra | |
| In office February 2, 2022 – July 12, 2024 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Duke Buchan |
| Succeeded by | Rian Harker Harris (Acting) |
| Chief of Staff to the First Lady of the United States | |
| In office January 20, 2021 – January 7, 2022 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| First Lady | Jill Biden |
| Preceded by | Stephanie Grisham |
| Succeeded by | Hayley Harrison |
| United States Ambassador to Uruguay | |
| In office May 9, 2012 – December 10, 2014 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | David D. Nelson |
| Succeeded by | Kelly Keiderling |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 2, 1975 Salcedo, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Harvard University (BA) Emmanuel College, Cambridge (MPhil) Columbia University (JD) |
Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón, born on January 2, 1975, is an American lawyer and diplomat from the Dominican Republic. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in another country. She has held important roles in the United States government. From 2022 to 2024, she was the United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat sent by one country to another. Before that, she worked as the chief of staff for First Lady Jill Biden. She also served as the United States Ambassador to Uruguay from 2012 to 2014.
Early Life and Education
Julissa Reynoso was born in the Dominican Republic. She moved to the United States in 1982 when she was seven years old. She grew up in the Bronx, New York.
High School and College Years
Julissa was a very bright student. She was the top student, or valedictorian, when she graduated from Aquinas High School. She then went to Harvard University, a famous college. There, she helped start several student groups. She was also active with the Harvard Institute of Politics, which teaches about government.
Advanced Studies
After Harvard, Julissa continued her education. She earned a master's degree in development studies from Emmanuel College, Cambridge in England. Later, she earned a law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from Columbia Law School in 2001. While at Columbia, she worked as an editor for the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law. Her studies were supported by a special scholarship for new Americans. After law school, she worked for a judge named Laura Taylor Swain.
Career Highlights
Julissa Reynoso has had a busy career in law and government. She has worked in private law firms and for the U.S. government.
Early Career in Law
Before joining the government, Julissa worked as a lawyer at a big international law firm called Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. She lived in the Washington Heights area of New York City. She also helped several non-profit groups. She was also a legal fellow at Columbia Law School.
Public Service Roles
In 2006, Julissa worked for the New York City Department of Education. She was the deputy director of the Office of Accountability. This office helps make sure things are done correctly. She has also written many articles in both Spanish and English. These articles cover topics like government rules, community work, and immigration.
Julissa is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. This group helps discuss important world issues. She has also received many awards for her public service work.
Working with President Obama
Julissa Reynoso joined the government during President Barack Obama's time in office.
State Department Role
In 2009, she worked with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She was a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. In this role, she helped create plans for security and law in Central America and the Caribbean.
Ambassador to Uruguay
In 2011, President Obama chose Julissa to be the United States Ambassador to Uruguay. The U.S. Senate approved her nomination in March 2012. As ambassador, she focused on improving trade between the U.S. and Uruguay. She was especially interested in farm trade and working together on science, technology, and education.
Working with President Biden
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Julissa Reynoso continued her public service during President Joe Biden's administration.
Chief of Staff for the First Lady
In November 2020, Julissa was chosen to be the chief of staff for the incoming First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden. The chief of staff helps manage the First Lady's office and schedule.
Ambassador to Spain and Andorra
On July 27, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Julissa to be the United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. The Senate confirmed her nomination in December 2021. She arrived in Spain in January 2022. On February 2, 2022, she officially presented her credentials to King Felipe VI of Spain. This is a formal step to begin her role as ambassador. She left this role in July 2024 and returned to working at a law firm.
Recognition and Awards
Julissa Reynoso has been recognized for her work in the legal field. In 2017, Crain's New York included her on its "List of Leading Women Lawyers in NYC." She was also named one of "Latin America's Top 100 Female Lawyers" by Latinvex in 2017. In 2023, she received the Carnegie Corporation of New York's Great Immigrants Award.
See also
In Spanish: Julissa Reynoso para niños
