Jennifer Geerlings-Simons

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, born September 5, 1953, in Paramaribo, has served as President of Suriname since July 16, 2025, becoming the country's first woman to hold the office after being elected by the National Assembly on July 6, 2025. A physician by training who worked as a dermatologist and in Suriname's national HIV/AIDS program before entering politics in 1996, she led the National Democratic Party from 2024 and previously chaired the National Assembly from 2010 to 2020 after serving as a member since 1996. She holds a doctorandus degree from the University of Suriname and was named among Time magazine's 100 most influential climate leaders of 2025 for her work protecting indigenous rights and rainforest.