Azita Raji | |
---|---|
United States Ambassador to Sweden | |
In office March 8, 2016 – January 20, 2017 | |
President | Barack Obama |
Preceded by | Mark Brzezinski |
Succeeded by | Ken Howery |
Personal details | |
Born | Tehran, Iran | September 29, 1961
Died | February 6, 2022 Belvedere, California, U.S. | (aged 60)
Spouse | Gary Syman |
Children | 5 |
Alma mater | Barnard College (BA) Columbia University (MBA) |
Azita Raji (Persian: آزیتا راجی, September 29, 1961 – February 6, 2022) was an Iranian-born American diplomat, banker, and philanthropist. She was nominated by President Barack Obama in October 2014[1] to serve as the United States ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden,[2] and confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate in February 2016.[3][4][5] She presented her credentials to King Carl XVI Gustaf on March 15, 2016,[6][7] and completed her tour of duty on January 20, 2017.[8][9]
Ambassador Raji was nominated for the State Department's highest award for a non-career ambassador, the Sue M. Cobb Prize for Exemplary Diplomatic Service. She was the first female United States ambassador to Sweden, as well as the first Iranian-born American to serve as an ambassador of the United States.[10]