Brenda Vongova

Brenda Vongova is a Canadian-American international civil servant, musician, and filmmaker. She is president of the United Nations Chamber Music Society (UNCMS) and the United Nations Movie Society, two cultural organizations operating under the United Nations Staff Recreation Council. Her work has been profiled by international media such as Vogue magazine, PassBlue, and Newsweek.
Early life and education
Vongova was born in Toronto and studied classical piano with a Russian piano teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Music and later with Jerome Lowenthal of the Juilliard School. She later attended Harvard University, where she contributed to the Harvard Law Record and Harbus newspapers, and was a member of the Harvard Piano Society. Vongova is a voting member of the Recording Academy and was a special guest performer at the Recording Academy’s AAPI celebration at the NYC Grammy Townhouse in May 2025.
United Nations career
Vongova joined the Executive Office of the Secretary-General in 2015 and prepares high-level briefing materials for Secretary-General António Guterres. She previously served under former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey D. Feltman. Between 2008 and 2010, she worked in the cabinets of three consecutive presidents of the United Nations General Assembly and was later elected treasurer of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council.
United Nations Chamber Music Society
Vongova founded the United Nations Chamber Music Society in 2016, an organization that unites UN staff and diplomats for concerts and projects commemorating UN occasions. The ensemble has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the UN General Assembly Hall, collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Festival, the New York Philharmonic and Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin.
In 2020 UNESCO profiled the ensemble in its “ResiliArt” series, noting its aim of “promoting the goals of the UN through the universal language of music.”
Recognition and media coverage
Vongova's work in cultural diplomacy has attracted attention from international media. PassBlue, a media outlet focused on the UN and global diplomacy, published a feature on her leadership of the UN Chamber Music Society, highlighting its mission to "radiate peace through music." Her music advocacy work has also been covered by Newsweek, Global Heroes, JNS, and other mainstream publications.
United Nations Movie Society
In 2024, Vongova founded the United Nations Movie Society, an internal staff club that curates film screenings and discussions on global issues.
Other activities
Outside the UN, Vongova has taught piano to visually-impaired students through the Gluck Community Service Fellowship and delivered wellness workshops for fashion and beauty brands. She is certified as a Women’s Fitness Specialist by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

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