Washington DC – Former Colleagues Praise Aljeen’s Successful Tenure as Vice President of External Affairs and Head of Global Gender Equity Initiatives at U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Algene Sajery is stepping down from his role as Vice President of External Affairs and Head of Global Gender Equity Initiatives at the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Recruited by Biden’s transition team in December 2020, Sagery is a key member of his leadership team at the DFC Executive, a division responsible for stakeholder engagement, communications, interagency coordination, and congressional affairs. was leading
Sagery also led the agency’s 2X Gender Lens investment initiative, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the agency. Algene was the only African diaspora woman of color on the DFC’s investment committee, and she informed all projects worth $20 million or more. She will resign after 21 months to return to the private sector.
Colleagues in the current and previous Biden-Harris administrations and the DFC praised Mr. Saggery’s successful tenure.
“Although Aljean is American, she is proud to be a Liberian-American,” said Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and a member of the DFC’s Development Advisory Board. “She has championed women throughout her career. She and I have been lucky enough to work together. I co-authored a position paper stating that is key to sustainable development, and I am pleased that Aljean has turned words into action through his role with the DFC and the 2X initiative.”
“Aljeen is a dedicated DEIA Champion and her leadership has helped advance and empower DFC’s diverse workforce,” said Ambassador Gina Abercrombie Winstanley, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the State Department. I was. “Her commitment to fostering inclusive growth by increasing her DFC investments in rural, women-led, and marginalized businesses in the developing world has been met by diverse voices in U.S. foreign policy and national policy. We are proving that we can have a positive impact on security.”
“Aljeen is a dynamic public servant who demonstrates the positive impact that diverse voices, including those from the African diaspora, can have on U.S. policy toward Africa,” said the White House. It will be felt across the board, as the institution continues to make innovative and impactful investments in women entrepreneurs in marginalized communities in Africa and developing countries.”
“Algene has been an integral member of the DFC’s executive leadership team,” said Linda Etim, former Special Assistant to the President and senior director for development and global health at the National Security Council. “Her expertise in development policy, human rights, and global women’s issues, as well as strategic communications and legislative work, helped Aljean as the new institution sought to navigate diverse and often different stakeholder priorities. has been an invaluable asset. It was a pleasure to work with her, and I look forward to seeing what she does next.”
Aysha House, Vice President of Congress and Public Affairs, Millennium Challenge Corporation, said: “Her passion for advancing policies and programs that help marginalized communities is infectious and her ability to get things done in this town is unrivaled. As an administration appointee, I was thrilled to see Aljean take advantage of her “role to support DFC’s amazing employees.” I miss her. “
“Aljeen underscored and deepened the DFC’s focus on gender-driven initiatives in development and the importance of supporting women,” said former Indo-Pacific Director of the DFC and now Senior Fellow of the Economics Program at CSIS. Erin Murphy, Deputy Director and Executive Director, said. “From announcing agency work in India to provide loans to his MSMEs working on renewable energy projects, to supporting his 2X initiative partnerships with Indo-Pacific financial institutions in Taiwan and Japan. , Aljean’s purpose-driven work ethic has paid off tremendously for the agency.”
“Through Prosper Africa, it has been an honor to work with Algene Sagery, Vice President of External Affairs at the International Development Finance Corporation, on several African Diaspora initiatives. Former communication of the Prosper Africa Initiative on The Africa Channel “Aljean’s dedication to building equitable communities and using her voice to solve the challenges of developing countries has been the driving force behind her role at the DFC.”
DFC Chief of Staff Rebecca Brocato thanked Algene for his service in a message to all staff.
“Many of you have worked directly with Aljean and know her dedication to the DFC’s mission. She launched a new stakeholder engagement department and helped launch new outreach initiatives targeting other US government agencies, civil society organizations, Congress, diaspora groups, and diverse business groups. She also oversaw the reform of the company’s Congressional Notification process and procedures and worked to increase overall positive engagement with Congress.
“Aljean’s strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within DFC is evidenced by her speaking diverse leaders to our workforce. Her active involvement as a member of DEIA highlights the career journeys and lived experiences of employees from various sections of the company;
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“As Head of DFC’s 2X Gender Lens Investing Initiative, Algene puts on a double hat to set new firm goals, launch the first-ever Technical Assistance Financing Facility, and secure more resources and staff for the program. Algene also helped launch the 2X Collaborative with partner DFIs and the private sector.
“We thank Aljeen for her contributions to the DFC and wish her the best of luck.”
About Aljean Sagery
Mr. Sajery is an experienced foreign policy and national security expert. Prior to his political appointment, Aljean ran a small strategic advisory firm. She previously served as Senior Foreign Policy and National Security Advisor to US Senator Ben Cardin, MD. Algene served as director of democratic policy on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) for three years, becoming the first African-American woman to hold a senior leadership role on the prestigious committee. Before she became a senator, she held leadership positions in the House of Representatives, serving as the Democratic Staff Director for the Subcommittees on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights. She is Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Congressman Yvette Clark (NY). Press secretary for the late Congressman John Conyers (MI). A highly accomplished legislative strategist and coalition builder, Aljeen has authored several landmark foreign policy, national security, and international economic development laws, including the Global Her Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act. has been drafted or negotiated.
