Portuguese American Journal

First Lady: Jill Biden to visit Lisbon – Portugal

The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, is scheduled to visit Lisbon on June 5th to attend the opening of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Art in Embassies program, organized by the US Embassy in Portugal.

During her time in Lisbon, Jill Biden will be present at the opening ceremony of a three-day event that showcases art and artists from the official residence of the US Ambassador to Portugal, Randi Charno Levine.

The artwork, now available to the public, will be displayed at the Universidade Católica under the theme “Celebrating Diversity: Democracy and Representation in Contemporary Art.”

According to Vanessa Valdivia, spokesperson for Jill Biden, the First Lady believes that supporting the world’s youth is crucial for our collective future, with a focus on education, health, and empowerment. This trip reflects that sentiment. Randi Charno Levine emphasized the role of the arts in diplomacy, stating that they help highlight shared values, address challenges, and create a safe space for discussing pressing social issues.

The Art in Embassies program in Portugal will feature an exhibition that brings together North American artists such as Sanford Biggers, Nick Cave, Deborah Kass, Maya Lin, Christopher Myers, Aliza Nisenbaum, Amy Sherald, Deborah Willis, and Hank Willis Thomas, alongside Portuguese artists including Leonor Antunes, Vasco Araújo, Ângela Ferreira, Fernanda Fragateiro, Mónica de Miranda, and Diana Policarpo.

Jill Biden’s visit to Portugal also serves as an opportunity to enhance bilateral relations between the United States and Portugal. 

The visit is part of a six-day tour of the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, during which Jill Biden aims to promote the empowerment of women and young people, as announced by her office.

PAJ/Staff

Jill Biden was born in Hammonton, New Jersey, and grew up in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Delaware in 1975.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Jill Biden began her teaching career in the 1970s. She taught English at Claymont High School in Delaware and later obtained a master’s degree in education from West Chester University. She also holds two master’s degrees from the University of Delaware, one in English and another in reading.

Jill Biden continued teaching while pursuing her own education. She worked as a reading specialist in the Delaware public school system and as an English instructor at Delaware Technical Community College. She has been a passionate advocate for community colleges, believing in their importance in providing accessible and affordable education to students of diverse backgrounds.

Throughout her career, Jill Biden has emphasized the significance of education and its impact on individuals and communities. She believes in empowering students and supporting educators to ensure quality education for all.

As the Second Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, during her husband Joe Biden’s vice presidency under President Barack Obama, Jill Biden continued her advocacy for education and military families. 

Jill Biden also co-founded the Joining Forces initiative, along with Michelle Obama, to support service members, veterans, and their families. The initiative aimed to promote employment, education, and wellness opportunities for military families.

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States, making Jill Biden the First Lady. As First Lady, Jill Biden has continued to prioritize education, advocating for increased funding for community colleges, support for teachers, and improved access to education for all students.

 

 

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