Bernadette LaMontagne joined Meridian in February 2022 as a Program Officer within the Meridian Center for Global Leadership, where she oversees the Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP). Bernadette is committed to supporting the empowerment of individuals, communities, and institutions worldwide. She has 10 years of experience in the field of international exchange, including for programs such as the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, TechGirls, and Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program. In support of international exchange programs (and to hone her French and Arabic skills), Bernadette has travelled to Morocco and the West Bank. She has background in International Studies and Political Science at the University of Connecticut, where she completed her MA and PhD. Bernadette has special skills in adapting curriculums for virtual and in-person programming.