Rhoda Goldman Distinguished Lecture in Health Policy: Ann Veneman- Addressing Global Health: A Key Priority for Development Improving child and maternal health will help break the vicious cycle of poverty and empower families, communities and countries. It is a global challenge that requires a collective response - where results are measured in lives saved and lives made better. As UNICEF Executive Director, Ann Veneman oversees 10,000 staff in 150 countries. UNICEF programs support childrens health and nutrition, education, protection from violence, exploitation and AIDS, and access to clean water and sanitation. In 2009, Forbes listed Ms Veneman as 46th on its list of the 100 Most Powerful Women, citing her successful efforts to improve maternal and newborn health in 25 countries. Before joining UNICEF, Ms Veneman was United States Secretary of Agriculture, overseeing 110,000 employees and an annual budget of $113 billion. In 2003, she convened leaders from 120 nations in a Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology to explore new approaches to using science and technology to reduce hunger and poverty in developing countries. Ms Veneman received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Davis; her Masters in Public Policy from UC Berkeleys Goldman School of Public Policy; and her Juris Doctorate from UC Hastings College of Law.