NASSAU, Bahamas -- U.S. Ambassador-designate, Nicole Avant arrived in Nassau on October 14.  She will be sworn in as the 13th United States Ambassador to The Bahamas when she presents her Letters of Credence to the Governor General on Thursday, October 22. 

Ms. Avant fosters the bilateral partnership between the two nations through a commitment to outreach efforts supporting education, counter-drug and crime prevention, sustainable energy and healthcare programs.  Ms. Avant spearheads several multi-national, multi-agency operations to combat international drug trafficking and illicit weapons shipments.  These efforts protect U.S. national interests and promote safety throughout the Caribbean. 

The daughter of entertainment industry legend Clarence Avant and philanthropist, Jacqueline Avant, Ms. Avant was exposed to and raised amidst a culture of music, philanthropy and political passion.  Being influenced by world leaders and international cultural icons led her to become a leader in education, entertainment, politics and philanthropy.  Ms. Avant has worked tirelessly to mobilize and engage the younger generation towards greater charitable and political involvement.  She is committed to and passionate about children and ensuring that the less fortunate and disabled are given every opportunity for education and equal access to meaningful employment.

For a number of years, Ms. Avant actively served as a Board Member for the following organizations:   

Best Buddies International, a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

The Bogart Pediatric Research Program, which raises vital funds to support early stage pediatric cancer research at the Bogart laboratories located at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  The Bogart Program is dedicated to supporting “bench to bedside’ research to find cures and treatments for these diseases and to enhancing the quality of life of the children who survive them. 

In 2007, Ms. Avant was named one of the American Cancer Society’s Next Generation Leaders. 

In her professional capacity, Ms. Avant served as an Academic Counselor at the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a University of Southern California mentorship program for high school students that provided full academic scholarships as well as daily guidance and direction in social behavior and social responsibility.  Most recently, Ms. Avant served as Vice President of Interior Music Publishing and Avant Garde Music Publishing (1998-2009) and was the Southern California Finance Co-Chairwoman of the Barack Obama Presidential Campaign. 

Ms. Avant is married to Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix Corporation, and they have two children, Sarah and Tony.