Atim Eneida George ‘20 (GSLC, PhD) is an artist, educator, storyteller, and transformational speaker. George recently traveled to Senegal on May 18, 2024, as part of Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer program. Winrock International is an implementing partner to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). During this trip, she had the opportunity to collaborate with a remarkable group of leaders from the Keur Maba Diakhou Society, affectionately called the Cooperative. This dynamic organization is transforming lives in Senegal’s rural communities by creating jobs and improving livelihoods for over 800 farmers, the majority of whom are women.
George was a U.S. diplomat for 30 years, serving in Africa and Latin America. Her diplomatic portfolio included work on complex international challenges such as the climate crisis, HIV/AIDS, immigration, human rights, and democratization. An engaging and informative keynote speaker, she was nominated by former Congressman Solomon Ortiz for the Congressional Community Service Award. The American Foreign Service Association honored Atim with the coveted Harriman Award for “extraordinary contributions to the practice of diplomacy exemplifying intellectual courage and a zeal for creative accomplishment.” Among her many other accolades is a State Department Superior Honor Award for “forging smart partnerships that promote democratic values and advance international understanding, exemplifying the best use of America’s ‘soft power’ to influence and persuade.” During her service in Nigeria, Atim was honored with a Chieftaincy title, Yeye Araba, by the Ooni of Ile Ife. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Babcock University for her Diplomacy and Peace Initiatives work.
A dedicated lifelong learner, George holds degrees in Speech Communications (BA, cum laude), Black Studies (EdM with distinction), Transpersonal Psychology (MATS), and Leadership and Change (MA and PhD). Her dissertation research, Generative Leadership and the Life of Aurelia Erskine Brazeal, a Trailblazing African American Female Foreign Service Officer, examines the relationship between generativity and leadership. Learn more about her extensive work here.
