Mona has more than five years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She earned a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, in addition to a professional Diploma in Development Design and Management in the Middle East from the University of Pavia in Italy. Mona has an extensive experience in managing emergency and development projects, working with both local and international non-profit organizations in Gaza Strip. Most recently, working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for three years, she participated in the design and management of emergency response and recovery program in Gaza, focusing on shelter and livelihoods for conflict-affected families in rural communities and using market-based tools. She has also been managing a disaster risk reduction program that aims at increasing the resilience of vulnerable urban communities in Gaza by building the capacity of local development committees and establishing community-led microfinance system that provides financial services to its members. Prior to her work with CRS, Mona worked in developing and managing capacity building programs in the Community Service and Continuing Education Deanship (CSCED). Her work focused on the integration of women engineers in the construction industry through a market-based skills development and on-the-job training program. She also managed different institutional capacity building programs for municipalities and local nonprofit organizations in good governance, accountability and financial management.Mona gained hands-on experience in program management including project design, proposal development, and monitoring and evaluation. Her experience in different sectors allowed for a wider perspective on development and understanding of communities needs and strengths.
Host Organization: American Red Cross
Role at Host Organization: Mona will support the implementation of strategic projects and broad, cross-cutting initiatives of the Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC), including coordination and dissemination of innovative programs in new technologies, social media, and beneficiary communications.