Senior Advisor for USAID to Speak, Part of International Education Week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2014) — The University of Kentucky will host Christie Vilsack, senior advisor for international education at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Thursday, Nov. 20, as part of UK's International Education Week.

Speaking at 6 p.m. in Memorial Hall, Vilsack will discuss USAID’s education strategy in her presentation titled, "Let Girls Learn: Education in Developing Countries." This event is free and open to the public.

USAID's education strategy is an initiative focused on improving children’s reading skills, strengthening workforce development and providing fair opportunities for education in areas ridden by conflict. As USAID’s senior advisor for international education, Vilsack travels the world to visit with education leaders, to learn about international programs and to share her insights about education.

As the USAID senior advisor for international education, Vilsack calls herself the storyteller for USAID education. 

"I speak externally about USAID’s education strategy on behalf of Administrator Raj Shah," Vilsack said. "I educate members of Congress, work with our counterparts in other development agencies around the world, with our UN partners, our implementing partners, private partners and look for ways to partner with other agencies of government.  One of our education goals involves higher education, so I also spend time traveling to college and university campuses to talk with students, faculty and administrators about international education.  I have also expanded my reach to Main Street audiences as well.  As a small town Midwesterner and a politician I also understand the importance of communicating with American taxpayers who support the work we do."

A full Q&A with Vilsack is available here.

This event is free and open to the public.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-535; sarah.geegan@uky.edu