Monse (Santiago) Smolinski

Born and raised in Mexico City, Monse grew up in a religiously syncretic family that practiced both Roman Catholicism and New Age Gnosticism. Tired of this religious hodgepodge, she became agnostic in high school, embracing Marxist ideology and idealistic humanism. While pursuing a BA in international relations at the National University of Mexico (UNAM), she heard the gospel through RUF Mexico City—the first Global RUF!—and encountered the most extraordinary news she had ever heard: the gospel of Jesus Christ. She gave her life to the Lord and, upon graduating, became RUF Mexico’s first native intern.

After her internship, Monse pursued an MA in political science with the goal of a career in the foreign service. But the Lord had other plans. Although her desire to become a diplomat did not wane, He began to give her a new purpose: to become an “ambassador for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20) through campus ministry. She went on to serve as campus staff with RUF Mexico for five years.

Encouraged by her pastor and missionary friends, who knew her love for the Lord, His people, and learning, Monse decided to pursue seminary. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lord miraculously opened a door for her to study—in person!—at Westminster Seminary California. After three of the most “grinding” years of her life, she graduated in May 2023 with a dual MA in Biblical and theological studies.

Following an invitation to join efforts to minister to students in RUF Michigan, Monse packed up her belongings and began a legendary road trip to Ann Arbor with her bestie.

When she’s not on campus, Monse loves reading, traveling, biking, learning, and spending time with her husband.