Diana Santana brings over two decades of rich experience in communications and international affairs to her current role as the USA Director of Communications for the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Leading communication initiatives within the United States, Diana previously served as the Head of Communications-New York for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). During her tenure at the ICRC, she spearheaded the establishment and growth of the inaugural Communications Department for the New York Delegation to the UN, serving as a pivotal hub for humanitarian diplomacy and public engagement at both the UN and within the US.

Her professional journey has seen her contribute significantly to various international platforms, including roles at the UK Mission to the UN, Independent Diplomat, United Nations Development Programme, and the Center for International Cooperation. Additionally, she has engaged in fieldwork in rural Kenya, further broadening her global perspective.

Diana's diverse portfolio encompasses advising mayors of New York and Houston, navigating the intricacies of marketing and communications in the financial sector, and providing consulting services to non-profits focusing on diplomacy and public health. Throughout her career, she has been deeply involved in advising refugee organizations and UN Member States on strategic communication for policy advocacy, influence, campaigns, and public awareness initiatives.

Educated at Tulane University in New Orleans, where she pursued Economics and Latin American Studies at the undergraduate level, Diana continued her academic journey at New York University, obtaining a Master’s degree in Political Science with a focus on International Relations.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Diana is an avid runner and dedicates her free time to volunteering in environmental justice initiatives and supporting the unhoused population in New York City. She also maintains an active involvement in her indigenous Mexican-American community, notably as a member of the Carrizo Tribe of South Texas.