In July 2023, Davida Vanderpuye Tengey became the International Engagement Manager of the Center of International Programs at USDA-NIFA. In this capacity, she provides leadership and guidance for NIFA’s global engagement activities. Davida began her federal service career at NIFA in 2009, where she has held several positions across the agency, including, Acting Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy Advisor (detail), National Science Liaison Program Specialist, International Program and Visitors Coordinator, Program Specialist in Animals Systems Division, Grants Management Specialist and Program Assistant in Competitive Programs.
Prior to joining NIFA, she garnered more than 10 years of experience in international development from the nonprofit sector as a Sr. Program Officer for NCNW International Development Center. In this capacity, she administrated multifaceted programs funded by USAID, U.S. State Department and the World Bank in Asia and Africa.
She received her B.S. degree from University of Maryland Global Campus in Global Business and Public Policy and a minor in Strategic and Entrepreneurial Management. She has been a member of the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD) since 2012.