There are few leaders in America who have had such a long – and profound – career in shaping America’s role in the world. For nearly four decades, Nancy Pelosi has consistently championed America’s leadership in global health, global development, and diplomacy with unwavering commitment. 

When USGLC honored the Congresswoman at our 2019 Tribute Celebration, I had the privilege of interviewing her on stage. It was difficult to know where to begin – whether to start with one of her most famous visits to Tiananmen Square to confront Chinese authorities or when she led the largest bipartisan Congressional delegation to visit NATO, or her advocacy to end the genocide in Darfur, or her work in expanding access to education for girls in Afghanistan.   

During our conversation, she recited her favorite quote from President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration: “To the citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”   

It’s a conviction she’s carried since her first days in Congress in 1987, when she joined the House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, where she proudly served for more than ten years, including four as Ranking Member. Through her leadership, she became one of our country’s most effective champions for ensuring America’s investments in global development, humanitarian assistance, and diplomacy. 

Of all the issues she championed, few stand out as much as her signature work in the global fight against HIV/AIDs. Having witnessed the devastation of the epidemic in her own San Francisco community, she made combating HIV/AIDS globally a priority from day one. Her ability to forge bipartisan consensus became instrumental in working with President George W. Bush to create the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has now saved more than 26 million lives.  

On behalf of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and our nationwide network of businesses, non-profits, farmers, faith leaders, and military voices, we extend our deep appreciation to Speaker Emerita Pelosi for her years of service and dedication to America’s global leadership. We look forward to working with her for the remainder of her time in Congress and in and out of public life in the years to come.   

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