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Ertharin CousinAmerican social activist
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Career in Illinois and Washington, D.C.
- Service in International Development and Agriculture
- Leadership in America's Second Harvest
- U.N. Ambassador and World Food Programme Executive Director
Early Life and Education
Ertharin Cousin was born into a modest family in a Chicago suburb. Her mother, Anne, worked in social services, and her father engaged in charitable work. In 1979, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and went on to receive her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1982. She also studied international law under former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk.
Political Career in Illinois and Washington, D.C.
Cousin worked in Illinois politics before moving to Washington, D.C. In 1994, she joined President Clinton's administration and received the Meritorious Service Award for her work. She served as Senior Counselor to the Secretary of State during the Olympic Games in Atlanta and later directed the president's re-election campaign in Illinois.
Service in International Development and Agriculture
After the presidential election, Cousin held various roles related to food and agricultural development. She served on the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development and supported U.S. agricultural programs. She also worked as Vice President of Government and Community Affairs for Jewel Food Stores, which later became part of Albertsons LLC, where she headed public relations.
Leadership in America's Second Harvest
In 2002, Cousin joined America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest hunger relief organization. By 2004, she had become Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She oversaw the organization during Hurricane Katrina and oversaw the distribution of 62 million pounds of food aid.
U.N. Ambassador and World Food Programme Executive Director
In 2009, Cousin was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. She also served as the U.S. representative to the U.N. agencies in Rome. In 2012, the U.S. State Department announced that Cousin would become Executive Director of the U.N. World Food Programme. She took office on April 5, 2012, and pledged to continue the organization's efforts to address hunger.
