Cynthia Shepard Perry
Cynthia Norton Shepard Perry | |
|---|---|
| 10th United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone | |
| In office November 20, 1986 – August 30, 1989 | |
| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Arthur Winston Lewis |
| Succeeded by | Johnny Young |
| 11th United States Ambassador to Burundi | |
| In office February 12, 1990 – February 28, 1993 | |
| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | James Daniel Phillips |
| Succeeded by | Bob Krueger |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Cynthia Helena Norton November 11, 1928 Burnett, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | June 13, 2024 (aged 95) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) |
James Otto Shepard
(m. 1946; div. 1971)James Olden Perry
(m. 1971; died 2006) |
| Children | Donna, Jim, Milo, Paula, Mark, James |
| Parents |
|
| Education | Ed.D. University of Mass. |
| Alma mater | B.A. Indiana State University |
| Occupation | Diplomat, Professor, Banker |
| Known for | Expertise in Africa and education |
Cynthia Helena Shepard Perry (née Norton; November 11, 1928 – June 13, 2024) was an American educator and diplomat. She served as U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone and Burundi and as American Executive Director of the African Development Bank. Throughout her career Perry promoted racial and gender equality, international cooperation, and African economic development.