Ms. Chidi Blyden (chee-dee, blī-den) is an accomplished executive leader and former U.S. foreign policy advisor with expertise in national security, defense, economic development, and international policy. As the Principal of Culturally Bound, she applies over 20 years of leadership to address Africa's complex challenges and leverage the African Diaspora.

Previously, Ms. Blyden was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), managing projects focused on infrastructure and community development, and chairing the Investment Management Committee responsible for $1 billion in annual investments.

In the Biden-Harris administration, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, redefining U.S.-Africa defense policy and securing over $1 billion for various security initiatives. Her prior experience includes advising the Obama Administration on defense policy for Africa and contributing to legislation for regional stability.

Ms. Blyden has also taught at Georgetown University and lectured at institutions like Harvard and Texas A&M. She holds degrees from Texas A&M University and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Raised in Texas, she traces her heritage to Sierra Leone.