Jennifer Erie, also known as 'Fête Jen', is a published author and storyteller, seasoned international development professional, creative entrepreneur, and certified mental health first aider. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Jennifer’s career spans over two decades dedicated to public service, health, community development, and the transformative power of creative arts across several continents.
As a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for over 15 years, Jennifer has led significant global health programs across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, focusing on HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, global health security, malaria, gender-based violence, youth empowerment, and mental health. Her tenure at USAID included assignments in South Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, and Southern Africa, where she integrated public health strategies with innovative cultural platforms to amplify marginalized voices and promote human dignity.
Beyond her diplomatic endeavors, Jennifer is an accomplished creative arts producer and philanthropist through her Fête Jen enterprise. She established performance arts platforms supporting emerging artists in Tanzania and regionally. She manages talent in the creative industries, and produces literary pieces, songs and music videos. This unique enterprise combines her love for storytelling, international travel, cultural retreats, arts programming, talent management, social impact and philanthropy advising.
Inspired by her Haitian heritage and the resilient spirit of her late mother, Ginette, she is also developing Feròs, a lifestyle brand celebrating strength, elegance, and legacy. Feròs is the sister brand to Fierce that is run by her beloved son Anthony Kagiso Mboyane.
Jennifer holds a master's degree from American University and a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. She began her international journey as a study abroad student in Zimbabwe in the early 1990s followed by becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer in South Africa. Later she also worked at organizations such as Africare and John Snow, Inc. She is a Board Member for the Museum of the Peace Corps Experience.
Her personal experiences, navigating complex cultural dynamics, career transitions, and family legacies, form the heart of her memoir, "The World In My Bones: The Diplomat Queens Made." Through her storytelling, she seeks to inspire others to embrace unexpected paths, celebrate cultural connections, and pursue transformative impact. Jennifer currently resides in the U.S., continuing her journey as a global citizen, advocating for creative expression, and as a servant leader. She can be reached on fetejen@gmail.com.