Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón
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Official portrait, 2023
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| 68th United States Ambassador to Spain 6th United States Ambassador to Andorra |
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| 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 | Anthony Bernal |
| 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. She was born in the Dominican Republic. From 2022 to 2024, she served as the United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra.
Before becoming an ambassador, she was the chief of staff for First Lady Jill Biden. She also worked as a lawyer, specializing in international law. From 2012 to 2014, she was the United States Ambassador to Uruguay. She also worked for the United States Department of State, helping with affairs in the Western Hemisphere.
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Early Life and Education
Julissa Reynoso was born in the Dominican Republic. She moved to the United States in 1982 when she was young. She was a top student at Aquinas High School in the Bronx, New York.
She then attended Harvard University. There, she helped start several student groups. She also studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge in England. Later, she earned her law degree from Columbia Law School in 2001.
Career Highlights
Julissa Reynoso has had an impressive career in law and government. Before joining the government, she worked as a lawyer at a big international law firm in New York. She also helped with various non-profit groups.
She has written many articles in both Spanish and English. These articles cover topics like how governments can improve rules, how communities can work together, and policies about immigration.
Reynoso is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. This is a group that discusses important international issues. She has also received many awards for her public service.
Working with the Obama Administration
Julissa Reynoso joined the government during President Barack Obama's time in office.
Department of State Role
In 2009, she worked with then-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 her 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 and cooperation in science, technology, and education between the two countries.
During her time as Ambassador to Uruguay, in 2014, there was an incident at a restaurant in Montevideo. She was reportedly not allowed to enter, which led to a discussion about fairness. The restaurant later apologized for the misunderstanding.
Working with the Biden Administration
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Chief of Staff to the First Lady
In November 2020, Julissa Reynoso was chosen to be the chief of staff for Jill Biden. Jill Biden was about to become the First Lady of the United States.
Ambassador to Spain
On July 27, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Julissa Reynoso 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 and officially started her role on February 2, 2022. She presented her credentials to King Felipe VI of Spain.
During her time as ambassador, Julissa Reynoso said that relations between Spain and the U.S. were very strong. She worked to expand military and political ties between the two countries. This included increasing the number of destroyers at the U.S. naval base in Rota, Spain. She also helped with cooperation on the Ukraine War.
Julissa Reynoso left her role as ambassador in July 2024. She then returned to work at her previous law firm.
Recognition
Julissa Reynoso has received several honors for her work.
- In 2017, Crain's New York included her in their "List of Leading Women Lawyers in NYC."
- She was also recognized in Latinvex's 2017 ranking of "Latin America's Top 100 Female Lawyers."
- In 2023, the Carnegie Corporation of New York honored her with their Great Immigrant Award.
See also
In Spanish: Julissa Reynoso para niños
