Jean Bailey

Why I Am Running for the Board of Directors

I am running for reelection to the Board of Sister Cities International to enhance U.S. international relations through citizen diplomacy, focusing on subnational partnerships, especially in Africa. My objectives include advancing fundraising efforts, increasing the number of sister cities in Africa, and improving the participation and effectiveness of the Sister Cities/Sister States of Maryland. I am also committed to facilitating greater embassy involvement due to my proximity, bolstering congressional support for Sister Cities International, promoting subnational diplomacy through National Guard partnerships, and strengthening commercial diplomacy efforts, particularly for the State of Maryland.

I am seeking reelection because I am dedicated to strengthening our organization’s impact both locally and globally. Throughout my tenure, I have witnessed the transformative power of our partnerships and am excited to build on this momentum. My top priority is to enhance fundraising, ensuring we have the resources needed to expand our initiatives and better serve our communities. I am passionate about increasing the number of sister cities in Africa, cultivating relationships that reflect our shared values and global vision.

As a strong advocate for the Sister Cities and Sister States of Maryland, I will continue to work toward boosting participation and effectiveness within our state programs. My close proximity to embassies uniquely positions me to encourage diplomatic engagement and create opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange. I also aim to further strengthen congressional support for Sister Cities International by advocating for policies and funding that highlight the significance of citizen diplomacy.

I also plan to strengthen congressional support for Sister Cities International, advocating for policies and funding that recognize the importance of citizen diplomacy.

Bio

Dr. Jean Bailey is a Graduate Professor of Human Development at Howard University, where she serves as Chair of the Howard University Republic of South Africa Program (HURSAP). Renowned for her leadership in international education and cross-cultural collaboration, Dr. Bailey holds significant roles in international and community organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors and Country Representative for South Africa for Sister Cities International, as well as President and CEO of Sister States of Maryland, Inc., and Chair of the Maryland/KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) Sister State Committee.

In these capacities, she has been instrumental in strategic planning and securing over $2 million in funding for Sister State programs. Dr. Bailey has also established Memoranda of Understanding between Maryland’s Departments of Higher Education, Basic Education, Social Development, and Science and Technology, and their South African counterparts.

Since 2019, Dr. Bailey has been the Director of the America’s Voices Against Apartheid Project (AVAA), a major archival research project and exhibition. Under her leadership, the AVAA project has been presented at prestigious venues such as the Apartheid Museum in South Africa (opened May 18, 2023), Pietermaritzburg Museum (February 2024), the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (September 2023), and Baltimore City Hall (June 2024).

Dr. Bailey is also the Principal Investigator and Project Director for “Exploring Cultural Linkages Between Black Marylanders and Civil Rights Movements Abroad,” a $2.25 million initiative funded by the National Archives and the Maryland General Assembly. This project is dedicated to developing the “Dr. Joseph E. Harris Maryland Routes of Enslaved Peoples Heritage Trail” and creating a comprehensive online digital archive related to the Heritage Trail.

Leadership and Appointments – Appointed by President Barack Obama, Dr. Bailey served on the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts for the Kennedy Center (PACA) from 2010–2016. She was also appointed by Governor Moore to the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) for the 2023–2027 term.

Academic Leadership at Howard University – At Howard University, Dr. Bailey directs the Center for Drug Abuse Research and continues to chair the HURSAP initiative. She co-chairs the USA African National Congress (ANC) Centenary Committee, coordinating U.S. activities in celebration of the ANC’s 100th Anniversary since 2011, including significant Legacy Projects.

Beginning in 2012, Dr. Bailey has been  Founder, Co-Investigator,  Cultural and Educational Outreach Director and Advisor  for the Mandela Washington Fellows (Young African Leaders Initiative – YALI) program at Howard University and University of Maryland Baltimore County,  further strengthening educational and cultural ties between the United States and Africa.

Skills

• Over 40 years of experience in successful fund development for academic and
• nonprofit organizations, including donor cultivation and grant writing
• Over 40 years of experience in governmental relations and issue development

• Strong governmental and corporate ties at national and local level
• Strategic Oversight of Educational and Non-Profit Organizations: Experience include a  focus on long-term vision and policy rather than day-to-day staff management.
• Cross-Cultural Diplomacy: Experience in international relations or cultural exchange to foster global bridges, especially with African countries of South Africa and Nigeria
• Effective Communication: Effective communication skills to  represent SCI as a public advocate to mayors, dignitaries, and community leaders.  Includes a strong network of local, state and national leaders
• Collaborative Governance: Experience in working within a 24-member board to reach collective decisions and uphold ethical standards.
• Strong technical research and project management skills:  Over forty (40) years of research development and project management experience.
• Strong, influential, international relations especially in South Africa and Nigeria