Samantha Power Biography – Explore the comprehensive biography of Samantha Power, covering her net worth, age, education, family life, tenure at USAID, published works, and notable facts about her distinguished career.
Samantha Power is a renowned Irish-American academic, diplomat, and author, celebrated for her significant contributions to human rights advocacy and international diplomacy. Born in London and raised in Ireland and the United States, Power’s journey from a war correspondent to a pivotal figure in U.S. foreign policy exemplifies her dedication to global humanitarian efforts. She has held prominent positions, including serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and as the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Her Pulitzer Prize-winning work and influential publications have cemented her status as a leading voice in international affairs.
Samantha Power Biography: Personal Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samantha Jane Power |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1970 |
| Age | 54 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | London, England |
| Nationality | Irish-American |
| Education | – B.A. in History from Yale University – J.D. from Harvard Law School |
| Spouse | Cass Sunstein (married in 2008) |
| Children | – Son: Declan Power Sunstein (born April 24, 2009) – Daughter: RÃan Power Sunstein (born June 1, 2012) |
| Notable Positions | – 28th United States Ambassador to the United Nations (2013–2017) – 19th Administrator of USAID (2021–2025) |
| Published Works | – “A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide” (2002) – “Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World” (2008) – “The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir” (2019) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $5 million as of December 2024 |
Key Takeaways
Early Life: Born in London and raised in Ireland until age nine, Power moved to the United States, where she pursued higher education and began her career.
Education: She holds a B.A. in History from Yale University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Career: Transitioned from a war correspondent covering the Yugoslav Wars to serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and later as the Administrator of USAID.
Publications: Authored several influential books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide.”
Personal Life: Married to legal scholar Cass Sunstein, with whom she has two children.
Early Life and Education
Samantha Jane Power was born on September 21, 1970, in London, England, to Irish parents Vera Delaney, a nephrologist and field-hockey international player, and Jim Power, a dentist and piano player. She spent her early years in the Dublin suburb of Castleknock, attending Mount Anville Montessori Junior School in Goatstown. At the age of nine, following her parents’ separation, Power immigrated to the United States with her mother, settling first in Pittsburgh and later in Atlanta. She attended Lakeside High School in Atlanta, where she was active in sports, participating in cross country and basketball.
Power pursued higher education at Yale University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. During her time at Yale, she wrote for the Yale Daily News, showcasing an early interest in journalism. She furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Harvard Law School in 1999. In 1993, at the age of 23, she became a U.S. citizen.
Career and Achievements
Power’s professional journey began as a war correspondent, covering the Yugoslav Wars from 1993 to 1996 for publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe, The Economist, and The New Republic. Her experiences during this period deeply influenced her perspectives on human rights and international intervention.
In 2002, she published “A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide,” a seminal work that examined the United States’ response to genocides in the 20th century. The book received critical acclaim, earning her the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2003.
Transitioning into academia, Power served as the Founding Executive Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School from 1998 to 2002. She later held the position of Anna Lindh Professor of Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy at Harvard.
Power’s foray into government service began as a senior foreign policy adviser to Senator Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. Following Obama’s election, she was appointed as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights on the National Security Council, serving from 2009 to 2013.
In 2013, Power was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, a role she held until 2017. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as UN reform, women’s rights, LGBT rights, religious freedom, and human rights advocacy in regions including the Middle East and North Africa.
Under President Joe Biden, Power was appointed as the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2021, serving until January 2025. In this capacity, she led efforts to address global challenges such as poverty, disease, and humanitarian crises.
Personal Life
On July 4, 2008, Samantha Power married law professor Cass Sunstein, whom she met while working on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Their wedding took place at the Church of Mary Immaculate in Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland. The couple has two children: a son, Declan Power Sunstein, born on April 24, 2009, and a daughter, Rian Power Sunstein, born on June 1, 2012. Power is a practicing Catholic.
Balancing a demanding career with family life, Power has often highlighted the importance of her family in her personal and professional journey. In her memoir, “The Education of an Idealist,” she reflects on the challenges and rewards of managing her roles as a diplomat, mother, and wife.
USAID Leadership
In 2021, under President Joe Biden’s administration, Samantha Power was appointed as the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In this role, she leads the U.S. government’s efforts in international development and humanitarian assistance, focusing on global challenges such as poverty, disease, and climate change. Her leadership at USAID reflects her longstanding commitment to human rights and global development.
Published Works
Samantha Power is an accomplished author, known for her insightful analyses on human rights and international affairs. Her notable works include:
“A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide” (2002): This Pulitzer Prize-winning book examines the United States’ response to genocides in the 20th century, highlighting the moral and political challenges in preventing mass atrocities.
“Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World” (2008): A biography of the U.N. diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello, exploring his life and the complexities of international diplomacy.
“The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir” (2019): In this memoir, Power reflects on her journey from an immigrant to a war correspondent, and eventually to serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, offering insights into the interplay between idealism and realpolitik.
Through her writings, Power provides a profound understanding of international relations and the ethical imperatives of foreign policy.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Samantha Power’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million. This valuation is derived from her earnings as an author, academic positions, and various roles within the U.S. government. It’s important to note that exact figures can vary due to the private nature of personal finances.
Facts and Trivia
Early Life: Power was born on September 21, 1970, in London, England, to Irish parents. She spent her early years in Dublin, Ireland, before moving to the United States at the age of nine.
Academic Background: She earned her Bachelor of Arts in history from Yale University and later obtained a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
Career Beginnings: Before entering government service, Power worked as a war correspondent, covering conflicts in countries such as Bosnia, East Timor, Kosovo, Rwanda, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.
Pulitzer Prize: Her book “A Problem from Hell” won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2003, bringing significant attention to issues of genocide and U.S. foreign policy.
Teaching Roles: Power has held academic positions at institutions like Harvard University, where she has taught courses on human rights and foreign policy.
Conclusion to Samantha Power Biography
Samantha Power’s life and career exemplify a profound commitment to human rights, ethical governance, and international diplomacy. From her early days as a war correspondent to her influential roles within the U.S. government and as an author, Power has consistently advocated for the protection of human dignity and the promotion of global justice. Her journey reflects the impact of idealism when coupled with pragmatic action in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
FAQs About Samantha Power Biography
1. Who is Samantha Power?
Samantha Power is an Irish-American academic, diplomat, and author known for her work in human rights advocacy and international relations. She has served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and is currently the Administrator of USAID.
2. What are Samantha Power’s notable achievements?
Power won the Pulitzer Prize for her book “A Problem from Hell,” served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and was appointed as the Administrator of USAID.
3. Who is Samantha Power’s husband?
She is married to Cass Sunstein, a law professor and legal scholar.
4. How many children does Samantha Power have?
Power has two children: a son named Declan and a daughter named Rian.
5. What is Samantha Power’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
