#46 - USAID Eulogy by Dr. Sara Sullivan
July 1, 2025, marked the inglorious (and highly dubious) end of USAID. To mark its passing, we asked Dr. Sara Sullivan, a USAID alumna who has been speaking out from the very beginning of the end, to the "Average American," to deliver a eulogy on behalf of the agency. As usual, she did not mince words.
Dr. Sullivan is a seasoned international development expert with over 20 years of experience specializing in strategic communications and 16 years of work with USAID across three continents. Before the shutdown of USAID, she was the founder and CEO of the international firm Koko Consulting, which helps NGOs in Africa attract and succeed with USAID funding.
Since the shutdown, she has run the "Average American" platform on Instagram and other social media platforms, bringing attention to the losses caused by the destruction of USAID and other government matters of interest to the American people.
Dr. Sullivan was also a recurring columnist for the Wall Street Journal from 2015-2016 and holds a doctorate degree in English from Boston University. She has made Gaborone, Botswana, her home since 2012 and has two children.
Dr. Sara Sullivan
Sara with Festus Mogae, President of Botswana from 1998-2008
At Botswana's Duma FM radio station promoting HIV testing and treatment
Promoting the documentary "Have It All," which focused on the lives of five people living well on HIV medication
Being interviewed on the red carpet for the premiere of "Have It All"
Working with an economic growth project team in Pakistan
SHOW CREDITS
SP/FS Producer & Host: Christopher Wurst
Opening Voices: Dmitri Wurst, Elena Wurst, Kjara Wurst, Christopher Wurst
Cold Open Music: BWM – The Brina Band
Episode Music:
Búesqueda exploratoria #009-Pandora
In Paler Skies
Supermoon
La Chica de los grandes ojo negros
Interview date: May 27, 2026