Jerica Lamar is a seasoned U.S. diplomat with a distinguished career in the Department of State’s Foreign Service and a steadfast commitment to public service. Her journey in international affairs began as a U.S. Peace Corps Education volunteer in the Philippines in 2009. Following the Peace Corps, Jerica worked as the Refugee Employment Training Program Manager for the State of Maryland. She was awarded the prestigious Robertson Fellowship and Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship which enabled her to work on refugee, migration, and development topics domestically and overseas in Jordan and the United Kingdom. All of these experiences solidified her interest in diplomacy and cross-cultural collaboration.
Since joining the U.S. Department of State, she has served in Latin America, Africa and domestically in various roles within the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Her work has focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, as well as creating increased efficiencies in government processes. The Department of State has recognized her outstanding service with two Superior Honor Awards, two Meritorious Honor Awards, and three Franklin Awards.
Jerica’s dedication to improving lives extends beyond international relations, as she is also passionate about empowering first and second-generation students to succeed in college. In addition to her diplomatic career, Jerica is the founder of “The New College Perspective,” an organization dedicated to helping students succeed in college. Her extensive experience teaching at community colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad has equipped her with valuable insights to guide students successfully on their path to making a positive impact in the world.
Proficient in Spanish and Tagalog, Jerica’s linguistic abilities have enhanced her ability to build bridges across cultures. She has a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Spanish from Cedarville University in Ohio and a master’s degree in International Affairs, Public Administration and Economic Development from The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. She is married to a U.S. Foreign Service Officer and is the proud mother of two sons.