Monica Jean Normil

Monica is a career Foreign Service Officer, with the U.S. Department of State. As a Diplomatic Technology Officer, she has spent the past five years shaping global connectivity and challenging traditional perceptions of Foreign Service Specialists. She is currently serving as the Africa Bureau Diplomatic Technology Chief Rover, providing critical support across 46 Sub-Saharan African countries leveraging her expertise in technology, diplomacy, and cultural engagement to address diverse challenges and foster meaningful connections.

Monica's Foreign Service journey includes impactful assignments in Lomé, Togo, and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where she demonstrated leadership in advancing U.S. diplomatic objectives. Her commitment to Foreign Service began when Monica served as a Peace Corps Volunteer, working as a Business Advisor in Mali and Ghana, where she supported local entrepreneurs and fostered sustainable development.

Beyond her diplomatic career, Monica is a passionate storyteller, accomplished author, and dynamic speaker. She has published multiple books, including Road to Table and Riley Explores, and is currently working on a self-help guide that delves into her journey as a Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer. She is the founder of Break Bread Worldwide, a platform dedicated to exploring food as a bridge between cultures, and Melanated Expats, a travel concierge service empowering new travelers to explore Africa and the Caribbean.

With a vision for global connection, Monica also embraces public speaking to inspire and mentor others, specifically black and brown communities, to pursue impactful careers in international service. Fluent in French and proficient in connecting across cultures, she is a true advocate for fostering understanding and building bridges through food, travel, and diplomacy.