Marcela Gonzalez serves as program officer for the Refugees initiative at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. In this role, she is responsible for providing portfolio management, strategic thinking, advocacy, partnerships, and communications support to the Refugees initiative grant portfolio. Prior to joining the Hilton Foundation, Gonzalez spent six years at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) working in various technical, program and grants management, and private fundraising roles. In these roles, she provided direct support to programs across Latin America, West Africa, Middle East and Europe. She also previously worked in the education start-up, corporate law, and communications and marketing sectors. Gonzalez holds a master’s degree in global affairs with a specialization in peacebuilding and gender from New York University, and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.