Mona Strassburger

(Principal)
Mona Strassburger is a Principal at the Business Alliance Hub. She has had a very multi-faced career – from IT Consulting at IBM to Public Affairs at the Fox Entertainment Group. Over the years, Mona has also produced Asian-themed TV shows, lectured at the United Nations, developed e-learning programs at the World Bank, and promoted economic normalization between the United States and Vietnam. Holding a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)), she has been working as a consultant in Yangon, Myanmar since early 2013.
Prior to moving to Yangon, Mona developed and produced TV shows for Thai-Americans (“77th Live!”), the Myanmar diaspora in the U.S. (TV Mandalay)and American audiences interested in Thai food, culture and tourism (Thai Food Network TV).
At the Fox Entertainment Group, Mona managed the Studio’s political and charitable contribution budgets and worked on legislation geared toward production tax credits and other incentive programs. She also met with elected officials and members of the community in order to promote Studio priorities such as ant-piracy efforts and Studio development plans.
Prior to Fox, Mona served as Director of Programs at the US-Vietnam Trade Council (USVTC), where she coordinated a $2.5 million budget that provided educational programs for the Vietnamese government on topics such as trade policy, legal reform, and financial transparency. USVTC also led a coalition of 270+ businesses and organizations that advocated for the passage of the US-Vietnam Trade Agreement.
Mona has been involved in IT-related projects for over two decades. She began her career as an IT Consultant and Project Manager for the IBM Corporation. Later, as Vice President of an international NGO, Mona developed an ICT strategy in cooperation with the United Nation’s Global Alliance for ICT and Development.
A long-time volunteer in youth-related and civic organizations, she currently serves on the Board of Directors of VoteRiders, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to ensuring that all US citizens have the required documentation to vote.
Mona earned her Master’s Degree in International Relations, with the concentrations in Southeast Asian Studies and International Economics, from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, DC. She also has a B.Sc in Computer Information Systems (minor in Mathematics) from the American University. Mona is a native English speaker, speaks basic Thai and French and is presently studying the Myanmar Language.

Professional Experiences

  • Business Alliance Hub – Principal (Yangon, Myanmar: 8/2019 – present)
  • Myanmar Consulting Group – Management Consultant (Yangon: 2/2019 – present)
  • Independent Producer (Los Angeles, CA:2009 – present)
  • Athgo International – Vice President, ICTs and Development (LA, CA:2006 – 2008)
  • Fox Entertainment Group – Manager, Public Affairs (Los Angeles, CA:2003 – 2006)
  • U.S.-Vietnam Trade Council – Director of Programs (Washington DC: 2001 – 2002)
  • IBM Corporation – IT Consultant (Multiple U.S. locations:1992 – 1998)

Other Experiences

  • VoteRiders – Member, Board of Directors and Digital Media Consultant (2012 – present)
  • Thai Association of Southern California, Vice President/Treasurer (2008 – 2012)
  • FOX Journey to Excellence Program, Volunteer Mentor (2004 – 2006)
  • World Bank Group, Research Associate (Washington, DC:Spring/Summer 2000)
  • Various NGOs, Volunteer (Mae Sot, Thailand: Winter 1999/2000)
  • Iridium Southeast Asia, Research Associate (Bangkok, Thailand: Summer 1999)

Education

  • M.A in International Relations, Johns Hopkins University, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)(Washington, DC).
  • B.Sc in Computer Information Systems, American University (Washington, DC)
  • Certificate in French Studies, Centre d’Etudes Linguistiques d’Avignon (France)

Other Experiences

  • VoteRiders – Member, Board of Directors and Digital Media Consultant (2012 – present)
  • Thai Association of Southern California, Vice President/Treasurer (2008 – 2012)
  • FOX Journey to Excellence Program, Volunteer Mentor (2004 – 2006)
  • World Bank Group, Research Associate (Washington, DC:Spring/Summer 2000)
  • Various NGOs, Volunteer (Mae Sot, Thailand: Winter 1999/2000)
  • Iridium Southeast Asia, Research Associate (Bangkok, Thailand: Summer 1999)

Education

  • M.A in International Relations, Johns Hopkins University, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)(Washington, DC).
  • B.Sc in Computer Information Systems, American University (Washington, DC)
  • Certificate in French Studies, Centre d’Etudes Linguistiques d’Avignon (France)