Monica is from Seychelles, an African island nation in the Indian Ocean but spent her childhood living in Uganda. Living in both countries, she experienced first-hand the challenges that developing countries face, especially in rural areas. Monica is passionate about women’s economic empowerment and gender equality, especially in Africa, and recognizes that developing women is the key to ending extreme poverty.  She is an experienced development practitioner with twelve years at the World Bank, eight years at Water For People, and eight years with Africa Development promise – the organization she founded.  Her goal through Africa Development Promise is to transform the status of rural women in Rwanda and Uganda by supporting their economic and livelihood goals. Monica’s work is driven by a belief in building on local knowledge, collaboration, inclusion, and accountability.

Monica holds an MSM degree in Organizational Management from Regis University, a BA degree in Sociology from Spelman College, and a Graduate Certificate in Development Practice from Regis University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the National Association of Negro Women where she received the 2016 Living Portraits Award. In addition, she serves on the IEEE Smart Village Governing Board.