Barbera Thornhill made headlines in recent days after she was confirmed by the Senate as the new Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking.
The businesswoman, who is believed to be 78 years old, sparked online discussion when Riley Barnes, the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, shared a photo of the new ambassador on social media on October 13.
"Ambassador Thornhill, welcome to the team. I'm proud to have such a dedicated leader join us as Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons," Riley wrote.
© Getty Images for The Colleagues
"Human trafficking is a grave human rights issue and a transnational crime exploiting men, women, and children for profit. We will continue to go after traffickers, protect survivors, and deliver justice for the American people."
Many social media users commented on Barbera's appearance in the photo, as she seemed to have undergone quite the physical change over the years.
Join HELLO! as we look back at Barbera's transformation from philanthropist to political figure.
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© Patrick McMullan via Getty Image
2009
Barbera has been a staple at fashion shows and society events for years, having been married to businessman Gary L. Wilson for 16 years. The pair tied the knot in October 1992, and she filed for divorce in 2008.
Gary has held senior positions at Disney, Marriott, and Northwest Airlines. The former couple share a son, Hale Thornhill-Wilson, who attended her Senate hearing in June.
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2014
She attended the "Mike Kelley" Leadership Circle brunch in 2014, sporting a new blonde look after switching from a deeper red color.
Prior to her political career, Barbera worked as a business executive and philanthropist, and served as the president of Impact Design.
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© Stefanie Keenan
2016
The North Carolina native arrived at the CHIPS Luncheon in 2016 in a purple skirt set, wearing her hair in a layered blowout.
She studied at the University of California, George Washington University and North Carolina State University.
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2017
Barbera's appearance at the Chairman's Global Dinner in Washington, DC, in 2017 saw her in a black gown with white floral detailing embroidered across the bodice and sleeves.
The businesswoman said in her Senate hearing that she worked with Mother Teresa in the '90s, and with several charities over the course of her career.
"I had the honor to live and work with Mother Teresa and the Sisters of Charity in Calcutta in 1994, lending an American heart and hands to…orphanages, ailing homebound families and to the destitute and dying in the hospice known as the Home of the Pure Heart," she explained.
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2019
In 2019, Barbera was nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the US ambassador to Singapore; however, this nomination was thrown out when Joe Biden became the president in 2021.
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© Patrick McMullan via Getty Image
2021
The mother of one attended a lavish birthday party in Beverly Hills in 2021, after her nomination had been withdrawn.
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2026
Barbera was nominated again by Donald Trump, this time for the position of Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, a role which was previously held by Cindy Dyer.
She appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in June to be confirmed in the role.