NWLC Supports Nomination of Cathy Russell as Ambassador For Global Women's Issues

(Washington, D.C.) Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the nomination of Catherine Russell to be Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) is pleased to support this highly qualified nominee.

The position of Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues was created in 2009 by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and has come to play a critical role in the State Department’s work. Secretary John Kerry has continued this effort, emphasizing the key role of women’s advancement in creating prosperous and global societies and ensuring that principle is reflected across the Department’s efforts.

“Catherine Russell combines foreign policy experience with a background in and commitment to women’s advancement, and commands trust at the highest levels of the Obama administration,” said NWLC Co-President Marcia D. Greenberger. “As Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, she will be a knowledgeable and effective advocate for keeping women and girls front and center in the United States’ international engagement.”

Ms. Russell is currently Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden, where her focus includes the welfare of America’s military families throughout the world. In 2012, she supervised the interagency development of the first United States Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally. She also has served on the Communications Advisory Council of Women to Women International, an organization that helps women survivors of war move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency.

Ms. Russell previously worked on international women’s issues in the U.S. Senate and Foreign Relations Committee as Senior Advisor to then-Senator Joe Biden, where her work included drafting the International Violence Against Women Act. She also served as Staff Director of the Senate Judiciary Committee for then-Senator Biden, where she spearheaded the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994.

“The Center urges the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support the nomination of Catherine Russell,” said Greenberger. “Her prompt confirmation will send an important message regarding the United States’ ongoing commitment to women’s equality as a central element of U.S. foreign policy.”

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