Deniece Laurent-Mantey, a Ghanaian American, has been appointed as the Executive Director of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States.
During the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the Biden-Harris administration said it was establishing this Council to work towards the prosperity of the African continent and its people and strengthen the unique relationship between the U.S. and Africa.
The Council is made up of 12 members including Rosalind Brewer of Georgia, Chinenye Joy Ogwumike of Texas, and Rev. Dr. Silvester Scott Beaman, among others.
Deniece Laurent-Mantey began her career as an intern in the Bureau of African Affairs and has held various roles, including Special Assistant to Secretaries of State John Kerry and Hillary Clinton.
She has also worked in the Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science, as well as the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
In September 2018, she assumed the position of Acting Deputy Director in the Bureau of African Affairs, Office of West Africa, with responsibilities for 10 coastal West African countries.
Deniece Laurent-Mantey boasts a wealth of 15 years of experience in the domains of foreign affairs and national security.
She is recognized as a dynamic leader, adept manager, and strategic thinker with a primary focus on shaping and executing U.S. foreign policy and developmental endeavors in Africa.
Her career highlights encompass a demonstrated ability to achieve tangible outcomes in areas such as trade and investment policy, digital transformation, and fostering relations with the African Diaspora.
During her previous role as the Director for Africa at the White House National Security Council, she undertook a pivotal leadership position where she successfully led and coordinated the efforts of more than 18 U.S. government agencies.
Additionally, she collaborated effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, further emphasizing her proficiency in managing complex, inter-agency initiatives within the realms of national security and foreign affairs.
Deniece Laurent-Mantey holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in African Studies and Public Policy from Howard University.
Members of the President’s Advisory Council are people who have made a mark in government, business, sports, creative industries, academia, social work, and faith-based activities.