About Monika

Communications Leader Working at the Intersection of Policy, People and Public Narratives

My career in communications began long before I knew the word for it. Growing up in the former Yugoslavia and later in international environments, I watched how different societies told their stories, how they understood themselves and how they communicated change. That contrast shaped my curiosity about public life and eventually led me into the world of international development.

For the last 15+ years, I’ve worked in strategic communications and event leadership roles across AFI, UNDP SEESAC, USAID, the Goethe-Institut, OSF-WB and the Council of Europe. I have led global communications for a network of central banks and regulators, designed multi-country campaigns, and delivered policy forums that brought together leaders from across the world.

What matters most to me is clarity, care and responsibility. I believe communication is not just about visibility — it is about trust, understanding and supporting people through change. I’m drawn to work that strengthens inclusion, equality and resilience in societies navigating complexity.

I have lived and worked in Austria, the UK, Malaysia, Luxembourg and the Western Balkans, collaborated with teams in more than 20 countries, and lead with a calm, structured approach grounded in preparation, cross-cultural respect and listening.

Leadership & Approach

I lead with structure, clarity and care. My strength lies in creating systems that support teams, building trust across diverse environments, and bringing calm direction to complex or fast-moving situations. I value preparation, honest collaboration, cross-cultural sensitivity and thoughtful communication.

Focus areas:

  • Strategic communications & narrative clarity
  • High-level events & multi-country coordination
  • Cross-cultural teamwork
  • Policy-aligned storytelling
  • Digital communication systems and workflows

What I Bring to Teams

A steady presence, clear thinking and a calm approach in complex situations. I focus on creating environments where people feel supported, informed and able to contribute their best work. Listening carefully, understanding context and building trust across cultures and disciplines are central to how I collaborate.

Principles that guide me:

Clarity: Making the essential visible and understandable.
Preparation: Building structure that enables good decisions and smooth execution.
Context: Adjusting communication to culture, timing and political realities.
Calm leadership: Offering steadiness in fast-moving or ambiguous situations.
Thoughtful collaboration: Bringing people together in a way that strengthens relationships and outcomes:

  • Areas of focus:
  • Strategic communication that aligns institutional priorities with clear public narratives.
  • Media and stakeholder engagement grounded in trust, context and long-term relationships.
  • Content and digital presence supported by strong editorial direction, thoughtful planning and accessible storytelling.
  • Team leadership that strengthens cross-cultural collaboration and shared purpose.
  • Event and convening design for policy forums, regional gatherings and global conferences.
  • Partnership-building across government institutions, civil society, donors and global network.

My Background

Woman Reading Book

Educational & Experience

I hold a BA in Political Science and an MA in International Relations, alongside executive leadership training from the University of Oxford. My academic background complements nearly two decades in strategic communications and a decade of experience designing and delivering high-level events.

Career Path

I grew up between the former Yugoslavia and Austria, environments that sparked an early interest in public life, storytelling and how societies communicate change. I started at the Reuters Balkans News Desk and moved naturally into communications roles within international development, where strategy, narrative and convening intersected.

Global Leadership, Event Management & Cultural Adaptability

I have worked in more than 20 countries, leading ad-hoc teams of 20+ for four regional and four global conferences, and guiding permanent teams through more than 50 online, hybrid and in-person events annually. Having lived in Austria, the UK, Malaysia, Luxembourg and the Western Balkans, I bring a cross-cultural perspective and a steady, adaptable leadership style.