Selva Roosevelt Diplomat, was among the first aides to President Ronald Reagan. Date of Birth: 13.01.1929 Country: USA

Biography of Selva Roosevelt

Early Life and Education
Selva Roosevelt, a diplomat and one of the first assistants to President Ronald Reagan, is a prominent name among American diplomats of the second half of the 20th century. She was born into an immigrant family from Lebanon. Her father immigrated to the United States before the start of World War I and settled in a small town in Tennessee. Selva grew up in an Americanized environment and received a good education. She graduated from Vassar College, where she was classmates with Jacqueline Kennedy.

Career in Diplomacy
After completing her education, Selva pursued a career in journalism, working for The Washington Post and various magazines. However, her connection with Archibald Roosevelt, who was involved in diplomatic and intelligence work, opened the doors to the world of diplomacy for her. Selva and Archibald got married and she eventually joined the diplomatic service.

Work with Ronald Reagan
Selva's career in diplomacy reached its peak when she became the head of the White House Protocol Office, a position she held for almost eight years. In this role, she was responsible for organizing receptions for foreign delegations, developing and coordinating schedules for visits to Washington by monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers from 1982 to 1989. She also managed the logistics of her husband's international trips. Selva's work required meticulous attention to detail, such as determining the number of officials present at negotiations and considering even the attire of the President and First Lady when receiving guests. Her work was both creative and bound by diplomatic protocol.

Legacy and Personal Life
Today, Selva is no longer involved in diplomatic work, but her name still carries weight in the Washington establishment. She keeps many diplomatic secrets and avoids meeting with journalists. Her nickname "Lucky" reflects her legendary status and the fortunate opportunity to have a meeting and conversation with her. Selva's life has been filled with extraordinary experiences and accomplishments, from her immigrant upbringing to her influential role in shaping diplomatic relations during the Reagan administration. Beyond her professional achievements, Selva is also known for her love for opera and her involvement in various charitable foundations, such as the Shakespeare Library and the National Botanic Gardens Fund. Despite her high-profile career, Selva remains down-to-earth and values personal connections and cultural appreciation.