Bernadette M. Allen

Bernadette Mary Allen (born May 1956)[1] is a retired American career diplomat and former United States Ambassador to the Republic of Niger.

Born in Washington, D.C., Allen was raised in Seat Pleasant, MD, and educated in the Prince George's County public school system.

Allen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1978, with a double major in French language and Linguistics.

In her study abroad year (1976-1977) with Central College at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France, she earned a Certificate in French Language and Culture.

Subsequently, Allen served for ten years on the Foreign Service Grievance Board (2013-2023).