ABOUT CATHLEEN

Cathleen Jeanty is a Haitian-American international policy researcher and advocate with a robust background in foreign policy, human rights, and youth empowerment. As Deputy International Affairs Officer at the Young Democrats of America and Global Goals Ambassador at the United Nations Association of the USA, Cathleen amplifies youth voices and champions Sustainable Development Goal 10 to promote greater equality in global governance.

Cathleen has presented key research to top U.S. stakeholders, including The White House, the U.S. Department of State, The Department of Homeland Security, and Congress, while collaborating with international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Her professional experience spans multiple roles in global diplomacy and security, including as an Innovation Fellow at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Public Information Editor for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, and part of the first-ever class of influencers at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. She has worked in Pulitzer Prize-winning newsrooms and with Nobel Prize nominees and was one of five international thought leaders chosen to serve on Student Energy’s inaugural COP28 youth council. 

A committed advocate for transatlantic cooperation and conflict resolution, Cathleen focuses on fostering international partnerships to tackle global challenges like development, climate action, and security. She has been a Chapter Director at Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) and helped write America’s National Youth Statement on Climate and America’s National Youth Statement on Human Rights.

Shas been recognized for her thought leadership, including winning the President’s Volunteer Service Award from U.S. President Joe Biden, the 2024 Women’s Foreign Policy Group’s International essay contest, and being a National Finalist for The Truman National Security Project. She sits on the Board of The Foundation for a Democratic Future and is a member of Foreign Policy for America, The International Federation of Liberal Youth, and Chatham House. Her work has been featured in Devex and The Atlantic Forum.

She has been an invited delegate to The Basel Peace Forum, The World Economic Forum, The Aspen Security Forum, The World Bank Annual Meetings, The NATO Washington Summit, and numerous summits at The United Nations.