Monse Santiago

Monse was born and raised in Mexico City in a very religious and syncretic family (between nominal Catholicism and New Age gnosticism). While pursuing her BA in International Relations at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), she was introduced to the gospel through RUF Mexico and gave her life to the Lord. She grew quickly in her Christian faith, served RUF as a student leader, and joined a local church. Upon graduation, she became the first RUF Mexico native intern.

After her internship years, she pursued a Master's degree in Political Science with the goal to make a career in the foreign service. It was during her graduate studies that the Lord started to change her heart about campus ministry, and called her back to RUF. From 2015-2020 Monse served as Campus Staff for RUF Mexico joyfully and faithfully, however, she still struggled with her desire to be a diplomat. Her passion for international politics did not wane, but neither did her deep love for the students she served and for the ministry of RUF.

With the encouragement of her pastors and missionary friends who recognized her ministry gifts and her academic-driven mind, she moved to the United States in 2020 (in the midst of the pandemic) to start her Seminary studies at Westminster Seminary California. After three "grinding" years, she graduated in May 2023 with double Master's degrees in Theological and Biblical Studies, and with the deep-seated conviction that the Lord was calling her, all this time, to be an ambassador for the Kingdom of God!

Monse is a "fun nerd": she enjoys reading and learning as much as making friends, traveling, dancing, and laughing!