Irmo, SC – DeJorie Monroe, a former resident of Irmo, has been appointed as a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. Department of State. Monroe’s journey to this esteemed position reflects her dedication to education, international experience, and public service.
Educational Background: Monroe’s educational journey began in the Lexington/Richland District 5 Schools, including Irmo Elementary, Crossroads, Dutch Fork Middle School, and Dutch Fork High School. During her time at Dutch Fork Middle, she served as student council president and excelled in Varsity Tennis. She was also a state and national champion in DECA at Dutch Fork High. After moving to Memphis, Tennessee, she graduated from Central High School in 2012.
Monroe pursued higher education at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Language and Literature, with minors in Theology, Latin American Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies (2016). She then obtained a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University (2018) and most recently, a Master’s Degree in Global Human Development with a specialization in Education and Human Capital from Georgetown University’s Graduate School of Foreign Service (2024).
Awards and Fellowships: Monroe’s academic excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Orr Fellowship (2016), Fulbright Fellowship (2019), Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship (2022), University of Notre Dame Alumni Association “Domer Dozen” Award (2022), and Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Areas Graduate Research Fellowship (2023).
Professional Experience: Monroe has extensive international experience, having studied and taught in Chile, Morocco, and Argentina. Her teaching methods were tailored to the needs of second language learners, and she emphasized design thinking to help students address everyday problems. From 2020 to 2022, Monroe worked as a dual language immersion teacher in Richland School District Two, bringing her international experience back to her home state.
At the federal level, Monroe worked for the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as a foreign policy fellow with the Office of Majority Whip, James E. Clyburn (SC-06). In this role, she drafted foreign policy and immigration memos and facilitated congressional meetings. Her professional journey also includes roles in the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs and research with the U.S. Army Research Institute.
Personal Reflections: Monroe expresses deep gratitude for the support she has received throughout her life. “I feel very humbled and privileged to have been selected for this opportunity,” Monroe says. “Part of the privilege is the opportunity to pursue a passion as a career. I know that is not something everyone gets to do, and I do not take it lightly.” She acknowledges the contributions of her family and the community, recognizing her achievements as a collective victory.
Monroe’s inspiration includes her older brother, DJ Monroe, a Dutch Fork High School and Harvard University graduate who lived by the motto “Pursue victory with honor.” Monroe aspires to build upon his legacy in her work and contributions to her community.
Future Responsibilities: In her new role as a Generalist in Public Diplomacy, Monroe will lead public affairs initiatives, coordinate cultural exchange programs, and represent the United States in U.S. Missions abroad.
Monroe, the daughter of Dexter and Volanda Monroe of Irmo, was recently married to Phillip Hughes in an intimate ceremony in Washington, DC.
For those interested in learning more about a career as a diplomat, please visit careers.state.gov.
