Giovinella Gonthier

Giovinella Gonthier (January 11, 1949 - May 21, 2012) was a teacher, concierge, diplomat, author, and consultant.^[1]

Giovinella Gonthier
Ambassador to the United States
In office 1983–1987
President	France-Albert René
Preceded by	Bernard Michel Loustau-Lalanne
Succeeded by	Marc Michael Rogers Marengo
Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations
In office 1979–1987
President	France-Albert René
Personal details
Born	January 11, 1949 Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika Territory
Died	May 21, 2012

Biography

Gonthier was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika to parents originally from the Seychelles. She graduated from Arusha Secondary School in 1968, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) (Class of 1972, history major) and the Harvard Graduate School of Education (Master's Degree in Teaching, 1973).^[1]

When she graduated Harvard, she taught at Seychelles College until 1975. She married Roger Wilson, whom she had met at Harvard, on March 7, 1975. When they moved to Chicago, she taught at the University of Chicago Lab School before working as a concierge.^[1]

Diplomatic career

When the Seychelles gained their independence from Britain, Gonthier accepted the offer to establish the office of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations, and become the Seychelles' Representative to the United Nations. She was ambassador from 1979 to 1987. From 1983 until 1987, she was also ambassador to the United States.^[1]

Publications

Rude Awakenings: Overcoming the Civility Crisis in the Workplace 2002,^[1][2]