Melanne Verveer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melanne Verveer
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Verveer in 2009
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| 1st United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues | |
| In office April 6, 2009 – May 8, 2013 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Catherine Russell |
| Chief of Staff to the First Lady of the United States | |
| In office 1997–2000 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| First Lady | Hillary Clinton |
| Preceded by | Maggie Williams |
| Succeeded by | Andrea Ball |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 24, 1944 Pottsville, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Georgetown University (BS, MS) |
Melanne Verveer, born on June 24, 1944, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, is an important leader who works to help women and girls around the world. She is currently the executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security at Georgetown University. She also helped start two groups focused on women: Seneca Point Global and Seneca Women.
From 2009 to 2013, Melanne Verveer was the very first United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. This special job was created by President Barack Obama. In this role, she worked to make sure women's issues were a key part of how the U.S. interacted with other countries.
Before that, she helped create and lead Vital Voices Global Partnership. This is a worldwide organization that supports women leaders who are working to improve their communities. She also worked for President Bill Clinton and was the Chief of Staff for First Lady Hillary Clinton.
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Melanne Verveer's Early Life
Melanne Verveer was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. She is married to Philip Verveer, who is a lawyer. They have three children and two granddaughters.
Working for the U.S. Government
Helping Women in the Clinton Administration
Melanne Verveer worked in the White House during President Bill Clinton's time in office (1993-2000). She was a senior advisor and helped with many important policies. These included choosing judges, supporting arts, and working on healthcare.
She also served as the Chief of Staff for First Lady Hillary Clinton. In this role, she helped Mrs. Clinton with her international work. This included focusing on women's rights, helping small businesses, and promoting girls' education. She organized Mrs. Clinton's trips to over 70 countries.
Melanne Verveer was also key in creating the U.S. government's Vital Voices Democracy Initiative. This program aimed to help women make progress in their countries. It grew from the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. At this conference, Hillary Clinton gave her famous "Women's Rights Are Human Rights" speech. Melanne Verveer helped plan the U.S. involvement in this important conference.
Becoming the First Ambassador for Global Women's Issues
In 2009, President Barack Obama chose Melanne Verveer to be the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. This was a brand new position. She was approved for the job in April 2009.
As Ambassador, she worked closely with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Her job was to make sure that women's and girls' progress was a key part of U.S. foreign policy. She traveled to almost 60 countries, including Myanmar and Afghanistan. She worked to get more women involved in politics and business. She also helped create new policies, like the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.
President Obama made the position of Ambassador for Global Women's Issues a permanent job in 2013. He praised Melanne Verveer for her hard work. He said she helped "amplify" (make louder) the voices of millions of women around the world.
Vital Voices Global Partnership
Melanne Verveer co-founded Vital Voices Global Partnership in 2001. She wanted to continue the work that Hillary Clinton started as First Lady. The goal of Vital Voices is to support women leaders who are building strong democracies and economies.
Vital Voices helps women get involved in politics and society. It also supports women who want to start their own businesses. A very important part of their work is fighting human rights abuses, especially the trafficking of women and children. The Vital Voices Global Leadership Network connects thousands of women leaders worldwide. Melanne Verveer was the chair and Co-CEO until 2009.
Awards and Recognition
Melanne Verveer has received many awards and honors for her work. These include:
- The Foremother Award from The National Center for Health Research (2017)
- The U.S. Secretary of State's Award for Distinguished Service (2013)
- The Order of Princess Olga from the President of Ukraine (2008)
She also has several honorary degrees from universities like Ulster University and Smith College.
Images for kids
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Verveer in 2009
