Diplomat rising: At Rowan, Moonique Williamson found her voice in international studies

Long before she began studying diplomacy in Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences, Moonique Williamson was already practicing – through service, leadership and commitment to community shaped by her upbringing in Guyana. 

An international student, Williamson arrives at commencement May 13 as a student in the John H. Martinson Honors College, a student organization president and an award-winning public speaker on a path toward diplomacy, passionate about humanitarian and environmental issues. Grounded in gratitude and resilience, that vision began at home. 

Williamson grew up in Guyana where family, education and service formed her worldview. She credits her father – “my rock and biggest supporter” she says – with instilling the value of education early on. 

“I was taught that education is the key to success,” she says. “Put your books first and you can attain anything.” 

Through her education, she got exposure to global systems and industries thanks to Guyana’s Youth in Natural Resources program, where select students learn how different industries can help countries prosper. She practiced humanitarian work by volunteering with local orphanages and elderly homes. A source of joy and socialization for her, Williamson is still involved to this day, sending back whatever she can around the holidays to support Partners in Unity, the charitable, non-government organization. 

Choosing the unexpected 

When it came time for college, Williamson followed her older sister, Jahni, which is fitting since they always have shared their education journeys. After moving in with relatives local to South Jersey, the pair began commuting to campus together each day. 

She fought homesickness by listening to Soca music, eating Caribbean food and making nightly phone or video calls to family and friends in Guyana. As she detailed her day-to-day experiences, keeping in touch with friends slowly changed her perspective. 

“I would say to my friends, ‘You may think you are going to end up somewhere, but don’t pass up opportunities that come your way. Don’t be afraid to take that leap,’” she says. 

By her second year, Williamson made a conscious effort to get involved. Throughout her time at Rowan, she joined the international studies club, philosophy club, fabrics club, French club and Sigma Iota Rho among other organizations. What began as a distraction from homesickness soon became a turning point. She jumped in to serve as president of Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society and International Studies club, recruiting new members and starting new initiatives. Her involvement helped her build her confidence, demonstrating to her that leadership and risk-taking have big, unexpected rewards. 

Her intensive coursework, particularly her research methods course with History Professor Debbie Sharnak, opened her eyes to writing and researching and deepened her interest in foreign affairs. 

“You have to be analytical, curious, interested in the world around you and dedicated to working hard to find impossible solutions and compromises to an imperfect and constantly changing world,” says Sharnak of the field. “Moonique displays all of these skills. She is incredibly curious and diligent.”

Living practice 

As part of Rowan’s Model Diplomacy Organization, Williamson got a better understanding of diplomacy as a living practice. The group of students traveled to other universities throughout the year for conferences that mimicked the United Nations general assembly. Each group was assigned a country, reviewed the politics, laws and relationships of that country and created solutions to specific topics and issues based on how they might be tackled in real life. 

“It made me see you have to understand your neighbors and try to build a connection,” said Williamson. “It also made me say ‘I want to do that! I want to be part of this.’” 

This spring, Williamson continued building her diplomat skillset – and resume – when she participated in Rowan’s public speaking competition. Introduced to the topic during her gender studies course, she presented “From Closet to Crisis: The Hidden Costs of Fast Fashion,” detailing how to transform textile waste into more productive materials. Williamson walked away with second prize.

Williamson’s altruistic roots also translated to her work as a member of the Peer Referral and Orientation Staff (PROS). After meeting a PROS member during her first experience on campus, Williamson was eager to offer incoming international students the same reassurance. 

Diplomacy is not dead

Her Rowan studies are complete, but Williamson’s work is just beginning. She’s poised to travel the world to explore other cultures and languages, building relationships along the way. 

Fittingly, one of her final research papers examined diplomacy not as an ideal, but as it functions in reality and whether the United Nations can actually make countries follow its decisions. Williamson concluded that while the United Nations holds significant authority on paper, it is often more effective as a forum for negotiation than an enforcement body. For her, that tension is not discouraging, but motivating.   

“It is important to think about how your decisions affect the citizens of the world. That is not a decision that should be taken lightly,” she says. “With diplomacy, you are not shaping how your country is benefiting, you are shaping how the world is going to work and how the world will connect with each other.”

Every spring, Rowan University highlights one graduating student from each school and college. Read more about this year’s featured graduates. Their stories show the ambition, purpose and creative collaboration that drive all Rowan students to Defy Definition.