Maria Teresa Thierstein Simões-Ferreira began her professional trajectory as a United Nations interpreter after completing studies at the University of Geneva. Born in 1938 in Maputo, Mozambique, she navigated a life defined by international public service, significant philanthropic leadership, and strategic engagement within the environmental policy landscape through the Heinz Endowments and Family Philanthropies.
Educational Background and Early Career
Raised in Roman Catholic tradition, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages and Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in 1960. Following this, she attended the School of Translation and Interpretation at the University of Geneva. Her early career path led her to the United States, where she utilized her proficiency in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Italian to work as an interpreter.
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Her work in philanthropy focuses heavily on sustainability and public health. In 1990, she co-founded the Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. In 1993, she co-founded Second Nature to integrate sustainability into higher education and established the Heinz Awards. She furthered these efforts in 1995 by funding The Heinz Center, an institution designed to foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia to refine environmental policy.
Economic Initiatives and Civic Engagement
Beyond environmental issues, she addressed financial security for women. Supported by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation, she backed the 1995 publication of 'Pensions in Crisis' and subsequently helped create the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER). In the political sphere, she maintained a Republican registration for years before switching to the Democratic Party in 2003.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Maputo
- Citizenship: United States and Portugal
- Education: University of the Witwatersrand, University of Geneva
- Notable Awards: Great Immigrants Award (2008)
- Notable Awards: Rachel Carson Award (2008)
- Languages spoken: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian
Questions readers ask
What is the official name she uses for public life?
She uses Teresa Heinz for her legal and professional affairs in Pittsburgh, but adopted the name Teresa Heinz Kerry for political contexts.
Has she held public office?
No, although she was encouraged to run for her first husband's vacant Senate seat following his death in 1991, she declined to do so.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Geneva and University of the Witwatersrand
