Monica is the current reigning National Ms. American women of Service 2020. She recently became the Minnesota State Director for the American Women of Service pageant system. Monica resides in Minnesota with her husband daughter, two cats and a dog. Monica loves to paddle board during Minnesota’s short summers and curl up with a book and plenty of blankets during the cold MN winters! She has dedicated her life’s work to promoting inclusive schools as a special education professional and operates a non-profit called South of the River Inclusive Play which helps build accessible playgrounds for all abilities.
What are some major achievements or accolades that you've accumulated?
In 2019 I was nominated for the Education Minnesota Education Support Professional of the year. I was also named one of 13 Best Buddy Champions of the year for my contributions to the Best Buddies Program. This fall I received the Bronze presidential service award, as well as the mental wellness warrior award, the Eric Mederios Memorial Foundation award, the Tommy B award, the positive pageantry award and I’ve received the title of Miss Congeniality at the last three pageants I’ve competed in.
How do use your platform as an influencer to spread "What's Good" to the world and who have you impacted?
As a titleholder, and community volunteer I use my platform to help foster an attitude of change. As a society, we have not built a world that is accessible to all abilities and through my non-profit, my career my advocacy, and volunteering I’m working on making the world a more accessible and inclusive place. Everyone deserves to feel accepted in our society, and so I’m helping break down the barriers when it comes to accessible and inclusive options in life.
What are some projects that you are currently working on or promoting?
My biggest project and most current are working with the city of Apple Valley MN, to help build a 10,000 square foot play space that is fully accessible and can be enjoyed by people of all abilities. Due to COVID, it has been slow progress, but we are hoping to break ground this spring on what will truly be a place where everyone can play.
Who do you have to credit for your success?
I think I would have to say the people I need to credit for my success are my husband, who always pushes me to be better, my non-profit co-founder, we had no idea our meeting in a coffee shop would turn into a passion for change! I also think I would say my daughter. She has changed my outlook on life and she is one of the main reasons I do all I can to make the world a better place.
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