Meet the Team Mona
There’s more to ECE than the work we do. It’s the people behind it! Our Meet the Team series gives you a chance to get to know the people of ECE, learn about their experiences, and discover the interests and passions that make each of them unique.
Meet Mona Belakbir, Client Solutions Manager
From international education to the creative arts, Mona has a wide range of interests and experiences. She's studied and worked around the world, illustrated children's books, and knows her way around a Moroccan kitchen! Whether she's helping clients find solutions, planning her next creative project, or exploring a new place, Mona enjoys connecting with people and learning something new.
Get to know Mona, including why Morocco holds a special place in her heart, what she loves to cook, and why iced coffee is always her drink of choice, even in the middle of winter!
Q & A Session.
Q: What's your background? What did you do before joining ECE?
I have worked in both international and domestic recruitment, as well as student affairs, since my undergraduate days. I started in Undergraduate Admissions as a student employee and later worked in Residential Life. After graduating, I completed an internship at Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, where I supported international education initiatives and student engagement at the Registrar's office. Throughout my career, I've remained passionate about helping students navigate educational opportunities and connecting people across cultures.
Q: What do you do at ECE? What excites you most about your position and/or your team?
As a Client Solutions Manager, I work with universities, employers, licensing boards, and other organizations to help them navigate international credential evaluation needs. I enjoy learning about the unique challenges each client faces and finding solutions that support their goals. What excites me most is the opportunity to build relationships with institutions across the country and around the world. I also appreciate being part of a team that is collaborative, knowledgeable, and always willing to share ideas and support one another.
Q: What do you like most about working at ECE?
What I enjoy most about working at ECE is our shared mission. Education has been at the center of my career, and it's rewarding to know that our work helps open doors for individuals pursuing education, employment, and professional licensure. I also appreciate the expertise and dedication of my colleagues. Everyone is genuinely invested in helping clients and applicants succeed.
Q: What’s one of your favorite activities when you’re not working? Tell us something that others might find surprising.
One of my favorite activities outside of work is creating art. I've always enjoyed painting and exploring different creative mediums. Many people know me from the international education world, but they may be surprised to learn that art has been a major part of my life for years. In my free time, I create short digital animations, illustrate children's books, and enjoy traditional portraiture and still life painting. I find that creativity and curiosity influence both my artistic work and my professional work.
Q: Where have you traveled inside or outside of the U.S.? Do you have a favorite country, city, or region that you like to visit?
Travel has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. I've had the opportunity to visit many countries around the world, and each place has taught me something different about culture, language, and community. If I had to choose a favorite, Morocco holds a special place in my heart. Having spent much of my childhood there with my aunts, uncles, and cousins, and later returning to work there after graduation, it truly became a second home. I especially love the hospitality, diversity of landscapes, and rich cultural traditions that can change dramatically from one region to another
Q: If you went to university, did you engage in any Study Abroad? If so, where?
My first study abroad experience took me to Italy and Sicily for a short-term humanities program. Later, I attended Hanyang University's Summer International School in South Korea. I also participated in a program in Tunisia, where I served as a student leader and helped support participants' intercultural experiences. Finally, the semester following my graduation, I completed an internship at Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, which further strengthened my passion for international education and cross-cultural exchange.
Lightning Round!
Q. Vacation or staycation?
Staycation. I prefer traveling at my own pace with no real itinerary and no strict wake-up times. Even when I travel abroad, I try not to pressure myself by planning every hour of every day. Some of my favorite travel memories have come from simply exploring and seeing where the day takes me.
Q. Netflix or Hulu?
Netflix. Netflix wins for me because of its international selection. I enjoy discovering shows and films from different countries and cultures that I might never have come across otherwise.
Q. Passenger or driver?
Driver. While I don't particularly enjoy driving, I usually end up behind the wheel. I've been told I'm calm under pressure, adapt quickly to changing situations, and have fast reaction times when something unexpected happens on the road.
Q. Camping or glamping?
Glamping. I'm not a fan of bugs or close encounters with wildlife. I much prefer appreciating nature from a comfortable distance, with a real bed and running water nearby!
Q. Cooking or being cooked for?
Cooking. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, so I'm usually the one in charge of dinner at home. I have a few signature dishes I always come back to, including Moroccan Beef Tagine with Prunes and Spicy Soft Tofu Stew. I enjoy experimenting with cuisines and sharing meals with family and friends.
Q. Attend a party or host a party?
Host a party. I love bringing people together. Whether it's a small gathering of friends or helping organize a larger event, I enjoy curating the experience, designing the space, and planning the menu. Creating a welcoming environment is as enjoyable to me as the event itself.
Q. Hot or iced coffee?
Iced coffee. No matter the weather, I'm choosing iced coffee. It could be below freezing outside, and you'll still find me with a cold brew in hand.
Q. Reality shows or documentaries?
Documentaries. I enjoy stories rooted in real people and real events. There's something fascinating about learning how history, culture, science, or individual experiences shape the world around us.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Mona a little better! Stay tuned for more Meet the Team features as we continue introducing the people, personalities, and passions that make ECE such a special place to work.