Janet Napolitano

Janet Napolitano is currently the Founder and faculty director of the Institute for Security and Governance at UC Berkeley. A distinguished public servant, Napolitano served as the president of the University of California from 2013 to 2020, as the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2013, as Governor of Arizona from 2003 to 2009, as Attorney General of Arizona from 1998 to 2003, and as U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona from 1993 to 1997. She earned her B.S. degree (summa cum laude) in 1979 from Santa Clara University, where she was a Truman Scholar and the university’s first female valedictorian. She received her law degree in 1983 from the University of Virginia School of Law. She began her law career as clerk to Judge Mary Schroeder of the Ninth Circuit.

As Secretary of Homeland Security, she led the nation’s efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, secure its borders, respond to natural disasters, and build domestic resiliency. She oversaw critical enhancements to aviation security, including initiatives like the creation of TSA Pre✓® The Department also significantly enhanced its readiness to meet and combat evolving cyber threats. During her time as Secretary, she spearheaded the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative, creating hope and relief for thousands of undocumented young people across the nation.