Maureen Quinn (NC ’78)

by Rebecca O’Malley Gipson (PA ’21)

A renowned diplomat and ambassador, Maureen Quinn has made an indelible mark on politics with her unwavering commitment to fostering diplomacy and cooperation on the global stage.

Quinn studied French and Economics at Newcomb College and received her Bachelor of Arts in 1978. Afterward, she pursued her passion by studying international relations at Georgetown University, where she excelled academically and received a Master of Science in Foreign Service.

Following her graduation, Quinn embarked on a remarkable diplomatic career. She joined the United States Foreign Service serving various diplomatic missions worldwide, including Coordinator for Afghanistan, Acting Chief of Mission in Kabul (2004- 2006), and Ambassador to Qatar (2001 to 2004). Her diplomatic career also included being the Deputy Chief of Mission, then Chargé d’Affaires in Morocco (1998-2001). Quinn served as the Economic Officer and Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea, and was Vice Consul and General Services Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, Pakistan, from 1982 to 1984. From 1990 to 1991, Ambassador Quinn was a Pearson Fellow at the U.S. House of Representatives. She served in the Economic Bureau’s Office of International Development Finance from 1988- 1990 and the Western Hemisphere’s Bureau of Regional Economic Affairs from 1986 to 1988. At the International Peace Institute (IPI) in New York, Maureen led global programs and professional development seminars in partnership with governments and multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, from 2011 until 2016.

Today, Quinn serves on the adjunct faculty of New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, and the City University of New York’s Baruch College Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. She teaches courses on post-conflict governance and development and Middle East politics.

Beyond her professional achievements, Quinn is known for advocating for gender equality and supporting initiatives that empower women internationally. For example, Quinn worked with the Girl Scouts of the USA as the Vice President of Global Girl Scouting to establish global service-learning and civic engagement programs for girls across 90 countries.