Top US official on women’s issues in Sri Lanka

Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women?s Issues at the US State Department, Catherine Russell is on travel to Sri Lanka October 27 ? 29.

While in Sri Lanka, Ambassador Russell will meet with government officials, members of civil society, entrepreneurs, and religious leaders to discuss a broad range of issues, including gender-based violence, women?s economic empowerment, and women?s inclusion in peace and security.

Prior to assuming this position in August 2013, Ambassador Russell served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden focusing on military families and higher education.

During her tenure at the White House, Ambassador Russell coordinated the development of the Administration?s strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally.

She previously served as a Senior Advisor to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on international women?s issues. During the Clinton Administration, Russell served as Associate Deputy Attorney General.

She has also served as Staff Director of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senior Counsel to Senator Patrick J. Leahy. She received a B.A. in Philosophy from Boston College and a J.D. from George Washington University. (Colombo Gazette)