Monique Casellas
Instructor, Annual Giving – Fundraising and Development Certificate Program
Bio
Monique Casellas is an experienced philanthropy professional with over 15 years of expertise in fundraising, strategic communications, and international development. Currently serving as Senior Director of Philanthropy at Scripps Research, one of the world’s leading biomedical institutions, Monique drives major gift strategies and donor engagement initiatives to advance scientific innovation and discovery.
Her career spans diverse roles at prestigious institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she led development efforts across Latin America and Europe, and UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management. Monique brings a global perspective to her work, having started her career in Mexico, where she designed and taught communications, events, and public relations courses for over four years.
In her role as instructor for the Fundraising Certificate Program, Monique teaches the Annual Giving course, equipping students with the essential tools and strategies to build and grow successful annual giving programs. Her teaching combines practical insights, cross-border experience, and a passion for donor-centered philanthropy.
She holds a master’s degree in public relations and communications from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and a bachelor’s in communications from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico.