Melanne Verveer has been ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues since April 2009, appointed by US President Barack Obama to coordinate foreign policy activities relating to the political, economic and social advancement of women globally. Obama’s decision to create the post was unprecedented, recognising that the progress of women and girls worldwide is central to U.S. foreign policy. Verveer was chair and co-CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, a non-profit she co-founded that is dedicated to empowering women. Prior to that, she served as assistant to the president and chief of staff to the first lady in the Clinton administration.
