Girton has a proud history as an institution that changed the world. Founded in 1869 by Emily Davies and Barbara Bodichon, the College is distinctive for being Britain’s first residential college for the degree level education of women. Today, we mark International Women’s Day by featuring Britain’s Ambassador to the US, Dame Karen Piece, whose many roles have included serving as Britain’s Ambassador to Afghanistan and the UK’s first ever female ambassador to the UN.
Dame Karen Pierce
Girtonian Karen Pierce became the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York in March 2018. Prior to this role, Dame Karen served as the Director General for Political Affairs and Chief Operating Officer of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, from 2016.
British Ambassador to the USA
The Ambassador represents His Majesty The King and the UK government in the country to which they are appointed. They are responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.
The Mistress, Dr Elisabeth Kendall, finds out how Dame Karen was inspired by her education, her view on the importance of women being involved in public life, and what message she has for young women struggling to make their voices heard.