Jennifer (Gigi) Thornquest is a researcher and lead strategic communications professional at the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP) at the Geneva Graduate Institute, where she also produces the CCDP Spotlight podcast. Her research explores participatory arts as a form of peacebuilding, with particular attention to the intersections of migration, education, and community resilience.

With over a decade of experience in public engagement, Jennifer specializes in translating complex research into accessible narratives and designing platforms that bridge academia, policy, and practice. Before joining CCDP, she built a multifaceted career in the U.S. as an event producer, public speaker, and small business owner, emceeing over 400 events including the UN International Day of Peace and TEDx gatherings. Outside her research and communications work, she teaches circus arts to children and studies how creative education fosters connection and care in times of disruption.