| Pamela E. Bridgewater 2004 Honoree |
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Pamela Bridgewater's life journey has taken her from the halls of Walker-Grant High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg to countries all over the world. She has led diplomatic efforts that have helped to change the course of world events. A former U.S. ambassador to South Africa wrote: "[Bridgewater] was the political officer assigned to cover Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) in the period of intense negotiations leading up to the end of apartheid. In that position, she established a degree of trust and confidence with Mr. Mandela and the ANC leadership that the U.S. had not previously enjoyed." Bridgewater was appointed U.S. deputy assistant secretary for African affairs in December 2002. She manages the African bureau's relationships with 16 countries in West Africa, economic/commercial policies and programs, and public diplomacy program. |
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Before her most recent appointment, Bridgewater served as U.S. ambassador to Benin from October 2000 until December 2002. From 1999 until 2000, she was a member and president of the 42nd Senior Seminar, the U.S. Department of State's most prestigious professional development program.
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"I encourage everyone, particularly young people, to give their best effort and never settle for mediocrity." |
Bridgewater is the longest-serving U.S. diplomat in South Africa and the first African-American woman to be appointed consul general in Durban, South Africa. Her service has included stints in Brussels, Belgium; Kingston, Jamaica; Nassau, The Bahamas; and Cotonou, Benin.
Bridgewater entered the U.S. Foreign Service in 1980 after a teaching career that included Morgan State University and Bowie State University in Maryland; and Voorhees College in South Carolina.
The Fredericksburg native earned a bachelor's degree in political science from VSU in 1968 and a master's degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati. In addition, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from VSU in 1997.
Recognized for her innovative approach to promoting U.S. business interests in Benin specifically and Africa overall, Bridgewater was selected as the recipient of the 2002 Charles E. Cobb, Jr. Award for Initiative and Success in Trade Development.
Bridgewater says, "I've always strived for excellence, and encourage everyone, particularly young people, to give their best effort and never settle for mediocrity."
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