Veronique DiVoire grew up in France and traveled the world with her family, helping others as a way of life. After completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration in Lyon, and eager for a new experience, Veronique came to the United States, where she began pursuit of an MBA at University of Missouri–St. Louis in August 1992.
“My resilience was immediately tested on multiple fronts, from the way the classes were taught and classmates who had far more professional experience than me, to navigating a new culture while being away from home for the first time. What kept me going was the professors, who couldn’t have been more supportive, approachable, and helpful.”
After earning her MBA, Veronique returned to France to start a career in human resources. She then relocated to London with her husband, an UMSL physiological optics and vision science graduate, and began working with a drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity. During the next 15 years, she served the organization in various HR roles supporting efforts to rebuild the lives of some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.
Veronique went on to serve as head of human resources for the UK office of a global INGO, fulfilling her dream to work in the international development sector while serving as a voice for the voiceless, this time from around the world. It is a passion that would soon become personal for Veronique.
"In August 2021, I began hearing first-hand accounts about the terrible events unfolding in Afghanistan when Kabul fell into the hands of the Taliban," Veronique said. "Next thing I know, I’m helping an Afghan family, who were evacuated to the UK, when they arrived in London and today they are like family as I continue to walk with them on their journey to a better life."
The experience motivated Veronique to pursue her current role as head of human resources with Freedom from Torture, a human rights organization providing psychological therapy to help asylum seekers and refugees who have survived torture recover and rebuild their lives in the UK.
Throughout the course of her life journey, she has always held close UMSL’s commitment to transform lives.
"I am a strong believer that things happen for a reason, and when I came to UMSL it was meant to be," Veronique said. "The university has been at the very heart of my passion for transforming lives in whatever small ways possible."
