RSS Case Manager
Catherine Patricia Jassey is originally from The Gambia, West Africa. She moved to Madison in May 2023 from South Bend, Indiana. Catherine has been involved in humanitarian work for over 7 years and is passionate about psychosocial support, gender justice, women, peace, and security. She holds a Master of Global Affairs degree with a concentration in International Peacebuilding and Gender Studies from the University of Notre Dame in the United States.
Before moving to the United States, Catherine worked for The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparation Commission as the assistant coordinator of the women’s affairs unit. Her role was to ensure that the priorities, activities, outputs, and strategic objectives of the Truth Commission were inclusive of and responsive to women’s perspectives and gender equality. She also supported the development and implementation of psychosocial support programs for women impacted by the 22-year dictatorship in The Gambia. These programs were primarily for survivors and victims of gender-based violence.
Catherine has also worked for the International Center for Transitional Justice, leading the gender justice program to ensure the inclusion and active participation of women and youth during transitions from dictatorship. After graduating from her first degree, she worked for the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding in The Gambia, focusing on early warning and conflict prevention, and women in peacebuilding programs.
She is excited about joining JSS and looks forward to supporting and making a positive impact on the lives of refugees. Catherine is an active person and loves outdoor activities, and speaks Mandinka, Wolof and Karoninka in addition to English.