Monica is driven by creating spaces of community and belonging for BIPOC individuals. She helps others own their experiences and identities and feel confident in sharing their story. Monica goes to work every day with the goal of empowering women and BIPOC individuals to achieve their greatest potential. Monica has over 10 years of experience in leadership development, dialogue facilitation, and building programs based on needs assessment. She is a Jesuit-educated Fordham alum, and she graduated with a B.A. in Theology with a research focus on ethics and social justice work. Monica went on to earn a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Rutgers University.  She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education at UCLA in Educational Leadership. Monica’s philosophy as an educator is centered around holistic outside the classroom learning. With students, she facilitates experiences for them to have “aha!” moments where they begin to realize the complexities around identity, privilege, and access. In her current role supervising professionals at UCLA, she is focused on their leadership growth and development. Monica is a seasoned dialogue facilitator and trainer. She has over eight years of experience in immersive learning programs, conflict management and resolution. She co-founded Mint Lemonade Consulting with a goal to equip students, professionals, and BIPOC folx with tools to reach their greatest potential.