Abby Finkenauer

Former Congresswoman and U.S. Special Envoy for Global Youth Abby Finkenauer is a dedicated public servant, advocate, and trailblazer whose career has been defined by a passion for uplifting communities, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that every voice – especially those often overlooked – is heard. Born and raised in rural Iowa in a working-class family, she became a first-generation college graduate, earning a degree in Public Relations and Business Studies from Drake University. 

At just 25, Abby was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives, becoming one of the youngest state legislators in Iowa history. In 2018, at age 29, she made history as one of the first two women ever elected to Congress under 30, the youngest woman to flip a congressional seat, and one of the first two congresswomen elected from Iowa. In Congress, she quickly became a forceful advocate for infrastructure investment, small business support, working families, and women’s healthcare. She made history again as the youngest woman to ever pass a bill through the U.S. House.  In 2020, Abby shared her personal journey with endometriosis on the House floor, leading her to found the Endometriosis Congressional Caucus and successfully double NIH research funding for the disease. Since 2021, her efforts have resulted in $65 million in new research funding. After leaving elected office, she continued her advocacy as an Ambassador for the Endometriosis Foundation of America and became a regular guest on CNN, providing analysis on national and global issues. 

In 2022, President Biden appointed Finkenauer as the first-ever U.S. Special Envoy for Global Youth at the U.S. Department of State, where she served as the lead diplomat advocating for youth voices in decision-making, advising on programs that engage tens of thousands of young people annually, and representing the U.S. at over 200 engagements across more than 50 countries. She collaborated with over 30 international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, ASEAN, and Community of Democracies supporting young leaders in governance, civic engagement efforts, and economic development. In February 2025, she was appointed to the McCain Institute’s Global Leadership Advisory Council, where she’ll continue engaging the next generation of leaders defending human rights and securing democracy.