Montana World Affairs Council: International Career Week: Monica Gilsanz

Passion, People, and Peace – Charting a Path for an International Career Stateside.

Monica Gilsanz is the Senior Program Specialist for the Higher Education Engagement (HEE) team at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). In this role, she deepens connections and partnerships with colleges, universities, and related collegial associations to develop the next generation of peacebuilders skilled in preventing, mitigating, and resolving violent conflict worldwide. She also works to raise the visibility of the Nation’s commitment to peace by connecting the higher education community with the Institute’s resources, research, and education and training opportunities.

Monica has been with USIP since 2021. Prior to joining the HEE team, she worked on the Conflict Management Training for Peacekeepers program, which strengthened the capacity of UN peacekeepers in protecting civilians using non-violent approaches.

Before USIP, Monica worked to increase US leadership on global health and implement data-driven public policy by supporting higher education engagement on Capitol Hill.

Throughout all these experiences, Monica has gained direct fieldwork and research experience in Cuba, India, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Monica received her master’s in education and human development with a focus on international education from George Washington University. Monica completed her bachelor’s degree in political science at American University.