Valentina Popa

Valentina Popa is currently working in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York. She is a skilled international affair professional, with focus on diplomatic relations, multilateral conferences, coordination, protocol and liaison. Vast experience in working with high-ranking dignitaries, in superior political and diplomatic echelons. She was State Councilor with the Moldovan Premier on matters related to ministerial coordination and Cabinet reunions, followed by a diplomatic designation with the Permanent Mission of Moldova to the United Nations.

Her educational background comprises a BA in Romanian and French Language and Literature from the State University of Moldova; MA in International Relations from the Academy of Public Administration of Moldova; MA in International Political Economy and Development from Fordham University in New York; Post-graduate studies in Emerging Markets and Country Risk Analysis, and training in Designing and Supporting Mediation Processes for the United Nations Political Affairs, from Folke Bernadotte Academy in Sweden. Besides her native language, Romanian, she is fluent in English, French, Russian, and Italian.

A Laureate of numerous national popular music contests, she subsequently appeared on various stages in Moldova and abroad, in exclusively benefit concerts, besides her husband, tenor Luciano Lamonarca. She currently resides in Westchester County, New York, with her husband and son, Sebastian.