Born in the Seychelles and raised in Uganda, Monica LaBiche Brown has spent her career creating opportunities for underserved communities. After returning to Uganda more than thirty years after leaving, she was struck by the contrast between rapidly growing cities and rural communities that still faced many of the same challenges she remembered from childhood.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in international development, including leadership roles with the World Bank and Water For People, Monica founded Africa Development Promise in 2014. Her vision was simple: empower rural women with the skills, resources, and market opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities.

What began as support for a single cooperative has grown into a thriving organization working across Rwanda and Uganda. Today, Africa Development Promise partners with agricultural cooperatives and provides vocational training programs to equip women and youth with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities needed to build resilient futures.

Under Monica’s leadership, ADP has become known for its commitment to long-term partnership, local ownership, and practical solutions that create lasting impact. From strengthening women-led cooperatives and improving market access to launching the ADP Impact Hub in Uganda, the organization continues to invest in pathways that help women transform their own lives, strengthen their families, and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.