Swanee Hunt

Swanee Hunt is a philanthropist, a U.S. diplomat, a social activist, and a leader. As co-founder of the Hunt Alternative Fund, she has been instrumental in the donation of more than $8 million dollars for women and children, primarily through women-run Colorado organizations. As a founder of the Women’s Foundation, her strong leadership skills and successful fundraising efforts established high expectations. Hunt is also a social activist and has fought for mental health care reform, promoted awareness of homelessness, and focused on meeting the needs of children and families, especially in low-income communities. In 1993 Hunt became U.S. Ambassador to Austria and later received the City of Vienna’s Gold Seal Award for accomplishments in that role. Throughout her career, she has mentored many promising young women, advancing their careers and entrepreneurial ambitions. In 1998 she launched the Women and Policy Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where she serves as director.