Statement Congratulating Undersecretary Ambassador Jenkins

Statement Congratulating Bonnie Jenkins, WCAPS Founder and Former Executive Director, on her confirmation as Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs (T) Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) is proud to congratulate Bonnie Jenkins on her confirmation as Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs (T). She brings her extensive background and expertise to this position at the State Department, and we look forward to her championing arms control and other international security issues.

Undersecretary Jenkins is the first African American person to hold the rank of Undersecretary of State and one of two most senior African American officials in the State Department as well as one of three African-American confirmed in the area of national security, including Secretary Lloyd Austin and Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

Jenkins enjoyed strong support from the arms control and national security communities, including support from over 70 national security professionals who signed an open letter in June led by the Arms Control Association calling for Jenkins's swift confirmation. Other statements by us at WCAPS, as well as Foreign Policy for America, the Alliance for Peacebuilding and in the National Interest all strongly supported Undersecretary Jenkins’ confirmation. Prior to her nomination, Undersecretary Jenkins and WCAPS were selected as the 2020 Arms Control Persons of the Year, by participants from over 65 countries.

Undersecretary Jenkins is extremely qualified for this position with many years of experience in chemical, biological, and nuclear arms control and nonproliferation. She served as Coordinator for Threat Reduction Programs with the rank of Ambassador under the Obama Administration, where she focused on issues of reducing the threat of weapons of mass destruction and Global Health Security. She is also a military veteran, professor and academic, who has worked in government, think tanks, nonprofits, philanthropy, and has served on Congressional Commissions. She has negotiated key US arms control treaties, is a skilled diplomat, and an exemplary voice to raise and uplift all Americans.

Undersecretary Jenkins is the Founder and former Executive Director of WCAPS. She also founded Organizations in Solidarity and Chaired its Steering Committee until April 2021. As our fearless leader, Undersecretary Jenkins’ ongoing legacy inspires us to thrive and to pave the way for other women of color to have a seat at the table. Her confirmation only furthers our mission and vision to see women and girls of color in leadership roles, making decisions that impact communities of color most.