Jeannelle Blanchard, U.S.

From her time as a student working part-time on development, to her current role leading a major USAID project, Jeannelle shares her experiences and what it means to be a woman working in the development sector.

Women in Development: This series focuses on the inspirational Tetra Tech women that take strides to make the world a more inclusive place.

Jeannelle Blanchard is leading Tetra Tech’s work on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Powering Agriculture project to bring clean energy technology to the most remote parts of the world. Under her leadership as Chief of Party, our team is accelerating adoption of clean energy solutions for increased productivity in regions heavily dependent upon the agriculture industry.

Jeannelle Blanchard’s journey in the international development world began with a part-time job when she was a student and brought her to her current role leading a major USAID project. In 1993, Jeannelle moved from the island of St. Lucia to the United States to complete her bachelor’s degree in communications and Spanish. While studying in Washington, DC, she worked at the university’s then Institute of Public Policy. That experience, along with her uncle’s work at the World Bank, inspired her to pursue a career in international development.

Over the years, Jeannelle’s role in international development has evolved, from her early work in environmental management and sustainable tourism to working most recently in the energy sector. She spent five years working on two long-term overseas assignments in the Caribbean contributing to the development of multiple Caribbean nations, including her childhood home of St. Lucia. She also spent four months in Afghanistan and three and a half years in Kosovo, where she was the only woman on the Tetra Tech project team.

When asked if she has ever experienced gender-related issues in the international development industry, Jeannelle noted that the main issue has been the undervaluing of her experience and contribution by male colleagues. She said that the best way to handle those situations is to establish a strong support system and to tenaciously maintain a sense of self. Jeannelle has found her core skills, such as project management, are transferable regardless of the subject area.

“As a woman of color familiar with being in the minority, I’ve found that letting my work speak for itself has had the greatest positive impact on my career,” says Jeannelle.