Kathleen McCracken
Manager I, Global Programs and Strategic Engagements
Kathleen McCracken joined the World Food Prize Foundation in June 2025. In her role as Manager I, Global Programs and Strategic Engagement, Kathleen supports the planning and implementation of the World Food Prize Foundation’s International Dialogues, including the Iowa Hunger Summit, DialogueNEXT conference series and the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. She plays a key role in organizing breakout sessions and side events, coordinating logistics and ensuring a high-quality experience for global stakeholders. She also leads the implementation of award programming directly connected to these events, including the Iowa SHARES Award, Top Agri-food Pioneers and the Innovate for Impact Challenge.
In 2018, Kathleen served as a George Washington Carver Intern at the World Food Prize Foundation, allowing her to gain a deeper understanding of global food security issues and interact with Laureates, partners and experts. Kathleen then served as Event Staff at the Hall of Laureates, overseeing corporate and private events taking place at the building.
Prior to rejoining the Foundation, Kathleen was an international relations specialist for the City of San Antonio, Texas, where she helped manage 15 official relationships as part of San Antonio’s award-winning sister cities program. She was the lead liaison with Gwangju, South Korea, and was involved in the planning and execution of more than ten inbound and outbound trade and cultural missions over the course of two years. Kathleen brings logistics management and international protocol and diplomacy experience to the Foundation.
Kathleen graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in May 2021, double majoring in international relations and religion and minoring in French and Arabic. She graduated from the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies in 2025 with a Master of Arts in International Studies. She also earned a graduate certificate in religion and international affairs.
Outside of work, Kathleen is passionate about interfaith engagement and dialogue, and she enjoys cycling and wildlife photography.
You can contact Kathleen by email at kmccracken@worldfoodprize.org.