A humanitarian, entrepreneur, and trusted political advisor who seeks to make the world a better place through peace, pluralism, and performing arts, Jalina Porter epitomizes the hallmark of American values. Her journey has taken her from the Mississippi, Mekong, and Potomac Rivers, which ultimately led to her becoming a historic trailblazer as the first African-American woman to serve as the Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State.

From her time working in the rural countryside of Cambodia to refugee camps along the Jordan/Syria border, Jalina places a strong emphasis on positively impacting the lives of all those she encounters, most especially women and girls. Her commitment to service includes previously serving as a senior staffer at the United States House of Representatives, Lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts, as well as membership in The Links, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she continues her community service work.

Jalina has been featured in Elle Magazine, Roll Call, The Hill, Politico, Ms. Magazine, MTV, and several international media outlets. She is also a longtime supporter and practitioner of performing arts from her time as a professional NBA dancer and NFL cheerleader. Jalina has received recognition as one of the top 35 Black Americans in National Security and Foreign Policy by New America in 2018, a recipient of the prestigious Franklin H. Williams Award from the United States Peace Corps, and was featured on The Root 100 list of most influential African-Americans in 2021.

Jalina attended Howard University, Georgetown University, and the University of Oxford. She is a current Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations and is also a member of Chief – an esteemed private network of top international women executives. Jalina prioritizes time with her family and loved ones, as well as enjoys yoga, traveling, dancing, and sharing her story of overcoming adversity and triumph to inspire a new generation of leaders.