Ms.Vera Baboun BU’85
Ambassador of Palestine to Chile
Biography
Ambassador Vera Baboun BU’85 stands as a testament to the transformative power of education at Bethlehem University and a pioneering figure in Palestinian diplomacy. Her journey showcases a profound dedication to her community and nation, evolving from an academic background to holding significant public and diplomatic roles.
Vera Baboun's deep connection with Bethlehem University began as a student, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in 1985. She then dedicated two decades to the institution, serving as an English literature lecturer from 1990 to 2010. During this period, she also held the role of Assistant Dean of Students from 2000 to 2006. These years at Bethlehem University, as she has noted, profoundly shaped her identity and equipped her with a strong foundation in understanding diverse cultures and the art of communication. She further pursued her academic interests, obtaining a Master's degree in African-American literature and becoming a PhD candidate in Arab-American women's literature.
Her career took a new direction when she became the first female Mayor of Bethlehem, serving from October 2012 to May 2017. In this groundbreaking role, she worked to advance the local economy, improve services, and promote civic engagement, despite significant challenges. She was a strong advocate for Bethlehem's tourism industry, highlighting the city's unique religious, historical, and cultural attractions internationally.
In December 2022, Vera Baboun embarked on her diplomatic career, assuming the role of the Palestinian Ambassador to Chile. This appointment marks a continuation of her dedicated service to Palestine on the international stage. Ambassador Baboun's journey is an inspiring example of a Bethlehem University alumna making a substantial difference in the world, demonstrating the caliber of leaders the university empowers.
Vera Baboun's deep connection with Bethlehem University began as a student, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in 1985. She then dedicated two decades to the institution, serving as an English literature lecturer from 1990 to 2010. During this period, she also held the role of Assistant Dean of Students from 2000 to 2006. These years at Bethlehem University, as she has noted, profoundly shaped her identity and equipped her with a strong foundation in understanding diverse cultures and the art of communication. She further pursued her academic interests, obtaining a Master's degree in African-American literature and becoming a PhD candidate in Arab-American women's literature.
Her career took a new direction when she became the first female Mayor of Bethlehem, serving from October 2012 to May 2017. In this groundbreaking role, she worked to advance the local economy, improve services, and promote civic engagement, despite significant challenges. She was a strong advocate for Bethlehem's tourism industry, highlighting the city's unique religious, historical, and cultural attractions internationally.
In December 2022, Vera Baboun embarked on her diplomatic career, assuming the role of the Palestinian Ambassador to Chile. This appointment marks a continuation of her dedicated service to Palestine on the international stage. Ambassador Baboun's journey is an inspiring example of a Bethlehem University alumna making a substantial difference in the world, demonstrating the caliber of leaders the university empowers.