Nathalie Rayes
U.S. Ambassador to the
Republic of Croatia, Ret.
The Story of Grit, Hope, and the American Dream.
From City Hall to boardrooms, the nonprofit sector, and the world stage, Nathalie Rayes has built a career leading at the highest levels. A former U.S. Ambassador, corporate executive, nonprofit leader, and local government official, she has shaped policy, strengthened international alliances, and driven impact across government, business, and civil society.
With a track record of forging partnerships and advancing economic and social progress, she remains committed to building bridges that create lasting change.
Read more about her journey and vision.
Leadership Experience
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United States Embassy
December 2023-January 2025 -
March 2020-October 2023
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May 2006 - March 2020
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May 2006 - March 2020
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July 2001 - June 2006
Selected Board Memberships
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Appointed by President Joe Biden
Board of Trustees
2022 - 2023 -
Appointed by President Barack Obama
Board of Trustees
2014-2020
Chair of the Audit Committee
2017-2020 -
Chair of the Board of Directors
2016 - 2020
Board Member
Development Committee Chair
2015-2023 -
Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
2014 - 2020Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood Action Fund
2020 - 2023 -
Advisory Board Member
2022 - 2023 -
Chair of the HOPE Binational Program Co-Founder and Chair Emeritus,
2016 - 2023 -
Board of Directors
2013 - 2020
Awards & Recognition
Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Most Powerful Latinas, 2021 and 2022 |
25 most powerful Latinas in the United States by People en Español Magazine, 2021 |
AL DÍA Archetype Ambassador Manuel Torres Award, 2021 |
Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Most Powerful Latinas, 2021 and 2022 | 25 most powerful Latinas in the United States by People en Español Magazine, 2021 | AL DÍA Archetype Ambassador Manuel Torres Award, 2021 |
Huffington Post “40 Under 40 Latinos in Foreign Policy” First Raymond L. Telles Trailblazer Award, 2017 |
Hispanas Organized for Political Equality “Ray of Hope” Award, 2015 |
The American Druze Society “Leading by Example” Award, 2015 |
Huffington Post “40 Under 40 Latinos in Foreign Policy” First Raymond L. Telles Trailblazer Award, 2017 | Hispanas Organized for Political Equality “Ray of Hope” Award, 2015 | The American Druze Society “Leading by Example” Award, 2015 |
UCLA Masters in Public Policy Alumna of the Year, 2014 |
Santa Monica College Distinguished Alumna Recognition Award for Outstanding Professional and Community Service, 2013 |
Mujeres Destacadas Award by El Diario La Prensa, 2012 |
UCLA Masters in Public Policy Alumna of the Year, 2014 | Santa Monica College Distinguished Alumna Recognition Award for Outstanding Professional and Community Service, 2013 | Mujeres Destacadas Award by El Diario La Prensa, 2012 |
Press & Media
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![Ambassador Nathalie Rayes]()
Ambassador Nathalie Rayes' life story: "I achieved the American dream"
Exclusive interview with Croatian magazine, Gloria, to discuss appointment as U.S. Ambassador, family, upbringing, and the fight for women’s and Latino rights.
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![Gloria & Materia Podcast with Nathalie Rayes]()
Gloria & Materia Podcast "The Art of Life"
Dive into an inspiring conversation about balanced living with US Ambassador to Croatia, Nathalie Rayes. Discover profound insights on cultivating a purposeful life, blending professional success with personal well-being.
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![Ambassador Nathalie Rayes attending a formal event, seated in rows, wearing business attire, focused on a presentation.]()
Total Croatia News: US Ambassador Rayes Reveals More US Investment in Croatia
These figures are a signal of the strengthening of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries leading to more employment, more well-paid jobs and more innovation on the whole.
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![Nathalie Rayes with Vice President Kamala Harris holding hands]()
CSPAN: Ambassador to Croatia Rayes Swearing-in Ceremony
Nathalie Rayes is sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris as the new U.S. ambassador to Croatia.
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![Ambassador Nathalie Rayes smiling wearing a white blouse]()
Al Día News: Biden Taps Nathalie Rayes for Key International Ambassadorship
“Nathalie Rayes has had a distinguished career in public service as a leader, consensus builder, and advocate,” a press release wrote of Rayes when announcing her nomination.
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![Sign on window with text 'Latina Initiative I'm Latina and I Vote!' promoting voter participation]()
Ms. Magazine: Latinas’ Political Power Is Changing the Election Playbook
Over half of the total U.S. population growth since 2010 was caused by an increase in the Latino population. Expanding Latina political power is no longer a strategy for the future—it’s happening now. Published by Nathalie Rayes.
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![Headshot of Ambassador Nathalie Rayes]()
Hispanic Executive: Nathalie Rayes Builds Latino Political Power
“As president and CEO, I get to leverage my position to ensure that we are uplifting Latina and Latino leaders throughout the country.”
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![Wonder Woman action figure with yellow and red costume, black hair, and star headband.]()
Thrive Global: We Need to Stop Calling Working Moms ‘Superheroes’
“We’ve normalized raising the bar in a never-ending quest to achieve the impossible. Let’s change the narrative.” Now is the time to transform this dated, dangerous social norm. Published by Nathalie Rayes.
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![Nathalie Rayes talks to the M Dash]()
The M Dash: Nathalie Rayes, “I Don’t Like Leaving Things to Chance”
As VP of Public Affairs for Grupo Salinas, she also led Fundación Azteca America while serving on various boards and raising two young sons. Nathalie talks about goal-setting and how she stays focused.
