Ann M. Veneman was born in Modesto, [California]. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a bachelor's degree in political science, then went on to gain a Master of Public Policy from the University if California, Berkley. She also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. She began her legal career with staff attorney with the General Counsel's office of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District in 1976. From 1979 to 1980 she served as Deputy Public Defender in Modesto. In 1980, she joined the Modesto law firm of Damrell, Damrell and Nelson, where she was an associate and later a partner. She held the position of Secretary of Agriculture with the USDA from 2001-2005. In 2005 she became the Executive Director of UNICEF. Since her appointment with UNICEF she has prioritized the Millennium Development Goals to support health and education for children worldwide.