Danielle Monty-Mara brings more than 20 years of international leadership shaped by living and working across nine African countries in senior roles with Catholic Relief Services, the Peace Corps, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Her work has centered on advancing community resilience and economic opportunity, whether guiding large-scale development and humanitarian programs with CRS, representing the United States Government as a Peace Corps Country Director, or leading catalytic investment initiatives with MCC. Now based in Kansas City, Danielle is committed to engaging with the community through the International Relations Council to strengthen meaningful global connections and deepen understanding of international issues. She studied abroad in France and holds a Bachelor’s degree in French and a Master’s degree in International Studies from the University of Kansas.
FoThe IRC matters because it strengthens Kansas City by connecting our community to the wider world. It creates space for meaningful dialogue across cultures, encourages curiosity about global issues, and helps residents understand how international events shape our lives locally. After living and working across Africa in diplomacy, development, and economic investment, I have seen how informed global engagement can transform communities. The IRC brings that spirit to Kansas City by fostering learning, connection, and a shared sense of global citizenship.