As part of our “Americans in the UN” project to share the stories of Americans who work for the United Nations, we talked to Mary Catherine “Kati” Maternowska who has worked for UNICEF and leads data, evidence, and solutions for the Global Partnership to End Violence. She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she spent her Halloweens trick-or-treating for UNICEF.

What motivates you to work for the UN?

MATERNOWSKA: I believe in government and as an American, born into one of the most democratic governments in the world, I particularly value what civil servants can contribute—even when the Head of State may not fully represent or protect the rights of its constituency. Because of its neutral positioning, I think the UN has huge leveraging power to create a better world for all, and in my case within UNICEF, for children and young people around the world.

Read the full interview with Mary Catherine Maternowska from the UN by Jenni Lee at United Nations Foundation.