Prior to joining C40, Ilona worked for over eight years in foreign diplomatic Missions, most recently as the research officer at the Permanent Mission of Fiji to the United Nations. As a part of the Fiji delegation to the United Nations she was tasked with assisting the Ambassador and diplomatic staff on issues such as peacekeeping and humanitarian affairs, human rights and sustainable development. She also assisted in the coordination of official visits of the President, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Fiji during the annual UN General Assembly. Her experience has left her with a thorough knowledge of the work being done by the United Nations, its many organs as well as different Non and Inter-Governmental Organizations. In addition to her professional experience Ilona has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Hunter College and a Master of Science in Global Affairs with a concentration in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance from New York University.