Biography

V is a Ph.D. candidate in the Anthropology and Social Change department at CIIS, focusing her doctoral research on critical suicide studies. V holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in International Affairs from Columbia University, and previously served as Program Coordinator for the CIIS Women’s Spirituality department.

A nonprofit leader and social justice advocate, V has extensive professional expertise in human rights policy, nonprofit management, and philanthropy. Born and raised in the Balkans, V’s commitment to advancing rights, justice, and well-being has taken her around the world—working alongside communities both local and international, from segregated schools to war zones to the UN General Assembly. Her work has been recognized with several honors, including an Emmy Humanitarian and Public & Community Service team award.

Rooted in service, V volunteers as a suicide prevention counselor, rape crisis counselor, certified yoga teacher, and Hawaiian Hula dancer. She chairs the board governance committee at Community Action Marin and has held board roles in San Francisco and New York. V lives near the redwoods in the Bay Area with her husband, offspring, dog, cat, and a lively family of finches.

Education

Master of International Affairs in Human Rights, Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs, New York 

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Columbia University, School of General Studies, New York