Nathalie Rayes
U.S. Ambassador to the
Republic of Croatia, Ret.
The Story of Grit, Hope, and the American Dream.
From City Hall to boardrooms, the nonprofit sector, and the world stage, Nathalie Rayes has built a career leading at the highest levels. A former U.S. Ambassador, corporate executive, nonprofit leader, and local government official, she has shaped policy, strengthened international alliances, and driven impact across government, business, and civil society.
With a track record of forging partnerships and advancing economic and social progress, she remains committed to building bridges that create lasting change.
Read more about her journey and vision.
Leadership Experience
-
United States Embassy
December 2023-January 2025 -
March 2020-October 2023
-
May 2006 - March 2020
-
May 2006 - March 2020
-
July 2001 - June 2005
Selected Board Memberships
-
Nonresident Senior Fellow
2025 – Present -
Member
2025 - Present -
Advisory Board Member
2025 - Present -
Board Member
2025 - Present -
Appointed by President Joe Biden
Board of Trustees
2022 - 2023 -
Appointed by President Barack Obama
Board of Trustees
2014-2020
Chair of the Audit Committee
2017-2020 -
Chair of the Board of Directors
2016 - 2020
Board Member
Development Committee Chair
2015-2023 -
Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
2014 - 2020Board of Directors, Planned Parenthood Action Fund
2020 - 2023 -
Advisory Board Member
2022 - 2023 -
Chair of the HOPE Binational Program Co-Founder and Chair Emeritus,
2016 - 2023 -
Board of Directors
2013 - 2020
Awards & Recognition
Oko Didino Award, Croatian International Film Festival, August 2025
Global Gift Humanitarian Award, Global Gift Foundation, July 2025
Commencement Speaker, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, June 2025
Service Above Self Award, Los Angeles–Beirut Sister City Committee, June 2025
Commencement Speaker, Saint Monica Preparatory, June 2025
Humanitarian Award, Hispanic Federation, April 2025
Public Service Recognition, Los Angeles City Council, March 2025
Most Powerful Latinas, Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), 2021 & 2022
25 Most Powerful Latinas in the United States, People en Español Magazine, 2021
Archetype Ambassador Manuel Torres Award, AL DÍA, 2021
“40 Under 40 Latinos in Foreign Policy” Trailblazer Award, Huffington Post, 2017
“Ray of Hope” Award, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, 2015
“Leading by Example” Award, The American Druze Society, 2015
Alumna of the Year, UCLA Masters in Public Policy, 2014
Distinguished Alumna Recognition Award for Outstanding Professional and Community Service, Santa Monica College, 2013
Mujeres Destacadas Award, El Diario La Prensa, 2012
Press & Media
-
![Nathalie Rayes delivers UCLA Luskin School Commencement Address]()
UCLA Luskin School Commencement Address
Ambassador Nathalie Rayes (MPP ’99) delivers a powerful message to the 2025 graduating class of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs as the keynote speaker.
-
![Hispanic Federation Humanitarian Award]()
Hispanic Federation Humanitarian Award
Watch the acceptance speech of the 2025 Humanitarian Award honoring Ambassador Nathalie Rayes’ leadership and legacy at the Hispanic Federation Gala in New York.
-
![]()
This Latina Ambassador Proves What Happens When Women of Color Lead With Purpose
When Ambassador Nathalie Rayes walks into a room, she doesn’t just bring policy talking points—she brings a lived story. One shaped by migration, grief, grit, and the unwavering belief that power means nothing if it’s not used to uplift others.
-
![]()
HOPE Latina History Day Address
Ambassador Nathalie Rayes delivers an inspiring keynote at 2025 HOPE’s Latina History Day Conference in Los Angeles, CA. A powerful testament to Latina leadership, resilience, and the importance of representation at every level.
-
![Ambassador Nathalie Rayes]()
Ambassador Nathalie Rayes' life story: "I achieved the American dream"
Exclusive interview with Croatian magazine, Gloria, to discuss appointment as U.S. Ambassador, family, upbringing, and the fight for women’s and Latino rights.
-
![Gloria & Materia Podcast with Nathalie Rayes]()
Gloria & Materia Podcast "The Art of Life"
Dive into an inspiring conversation about balanced living with US Ambassador to Croatia, Nathalie Rayes. Discover profound insights on cultivating a purposeful life, blending professional success with personal well-being.
-
![Ambassador Nathalie Rayes attending a formal event, seated in rows, wearing business attire, focused on a presentation.]()
Total Croatia News: US Ambassador Rayes Reveals More US Investment in Croatia
These figures are a signal of the strengthening of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries leading to more employment, more well-paid jobs and more innovation on the whole.
-
![Nathalie Rayes with Vice President Kamala Harris holding hands]()
CSPAN: Ambassador to Croatia Rayes Swearing-in Ceremony
Nathalie Rayes is sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris as the new U.S. ambassador to Croatia.
-
![Ambassador Nathalie Rayes smiling wearing a white blouse]()
Al Día News: Biden Taps Nathalie Rayes for Key International Ambassadorship
“Nathalie Rayes has had a distinguished career in public service as a leader, consensus builder, and advocate,” a press release wrote of Rayes when announcing her nomination.
-
![Sign on window with text 'Latina Initiative I'm Latina and I Vote!' promoting voter participation]()
Ms. Magazine: Latinas’ Political Power Is Changing the Election Playbook
Over half of the total U.S. population growth since 2010 was caused by an increase in the Latino population. Expanding Latina political power is no longer a strategy for the future—it’s happening now. Published by Nathalie Rayes.
-
![Headshot of Ambassador Nathalie Rayes]()
Hispanic Executive: Nathalie Rayes Builds Latino Political Power
“As president and CEO, I get to leverage my position to ensure that we are uplifting Latina and Latino leaders throughout the country.”
-
![Photo of Nathalie Rayes]()
Nathalie Rayes Furthers the Community Impact of Grupo Salinas
Finding the sweet spot between the public and private sectors, Nathalie Rayes strategically aligns her nonprofit board work with both the company’s goals and her own passions.
-
![Wonder Woman action figure with yellow and red costume, black hair, and star headband.]()
Thrive Global: We Need to Stop Calling Working Moms ‘Superheroes’
“We’ve normalized raising the bar in a never-ending quest to achieve the impossible. Let’s change the narrative.” Now is the time to transform this dated, dangerous social norm. Published by Nathalie Rayes.
-
![Nathalie Rayes talks to the M Dash]()
The M Dash: Nathalie Rayes, “I Don’t Like Leaving Things to Chance”
As VP of Public Affairs for Grupo Salinas, she also led Fundación Azteca America while serving on various boards and raising two young sons. Nathalie talks about goal-setting and how she stays focused.
