Jennifer Erie

Jennifer Erie is a seasoned international development leader, diplomat, published author and storyteller, and creative entrepreneur whose global career spans more than two decades and reflects an unwavering commitment to equity, dignity, and cross-cultural understanding. Jennifer strongly believes in the power of community, creativity, and human connection. These values have guided her work across Africa, Asia, and the U.S. Born and raised in New York, Jennifer most recently built a distinguished 15-year career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where she held senior leadership roles overseeing major global health, humanitarian, and community development initiatives. Her assignments took her to South Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, and South Africa, where she consistently amplified marginalized voices, especially of the youth, and championed inclusive, trauma-informed, community-driven approaches. Prior to USAID, she worked with international non-governmental organizations Africare and JSI, and was a Peace Corps volunteer. Jennifer recently published her memoir, The World In My Bones: The Diplomat Queens Made. Currently residing in Maryland, Jennifer holds a Master’s degree from American University and a Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. More information is available at www.jennifererie.com.