How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of? 

In volunteer roles, through serving on the executive committees of local and statewide boards, I helped structure more ambitious review and compensation processes for female executive directors. 

Through my job at Grinnell College, I’ve worked with others across the community to attract millions of dollars in fundraising and grant support to our small, rural community that would otherwise have gone elsewhere.

What motivates you? 

I’m motivated by the opportunity to learn new things and be creative. I like working with others to figure out the next problem and challenge.

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life? 

When I was 15, I was able to spend a year in Germany as an exchange student with Youth for Understanding – founded after World War II to bring American and German youth together to rebuild our sense of shared humanity. Although it definitely wasn’t easy to be so far from home as a young person, the lesson of meeting people with a sense of openness, respect and curiosity was impactful. Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to be able to live all over the world and meet people in all kinds of different circumstances, and I hope I’ve carried that early lesson with me.

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

There’s always someone who needs your help – a person, a place or an organization. None of us has to solve all the world’s problems on our own. Do what you can do.

Tell us about a time you failed (or at least you did from your own perception). 

My first job out of college was far too ambitious. I worked at a home for teen unwed mothers who were not much younger than myself. Completely overwhelmed, I left after a few months to regroup and travel with a friend. To earn money for the trip, I worked as a temp for a few months all around the Los Angeles area. So, although I’m not proud of having left that first job so quickly, it did end up giving me an incredibly valuable glimpse into a wide range of industries and workplaces. When I was ready to try again, I knew myself better and had a clearer sense of what I was looking for.

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume? 

Not light reading, but I loved “A Midwife’s Tale” by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. It’s a very readable history of one woman’s personal and professional life in 18th-century Maine. So remote, yet still familiar in other ways.  

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in? 

I don’t think I’ve ever achieved balance, but I absolutely find joy in working with people and getting to know new people. If someone else is excited and passionate, I find it infectious. 

What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Paperbacks by the pool.

What’s something many people don’t know about you? 

I have active library cards in three different states.

What do you consider the greatest barrier to gender equity? 

Gender stereotypes that we impose on others, or on ourselves, that narrow our choices.

Who is an empowering woman that you look up to? 

My mother. I admire her sense of adventure, enthusiasm and can-do spirit, and I try to follow her example all the time. Besides inspiring me, I’ve also heard over the years that she’s been an inspiration to several of my friends as well.

What will it take for women to achieve gender parity in leadership positions? 

More leaders willing to act as advocates and allies by offering leadership roles and hiring women into leadership positions.

What support would be most helpful for business leaders to provide for their women and nonbinary employees? 

Pay scale transparency – a clear, shared understanding of what a particular job pays (regardless of who’s filling it).

Fill in the blank: If gender equity were achieved, the world would look like ________.

If gender equity were achieved, individual talents would be better developed and we’d have stronger, healthier families and communities.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College

Hometown: Los Angeles

Family: Husband, Pablo; daughters Anya and Milena

Hobbies: Reading, traveling, dancing

Words to live by: You never know until you try.

Three notable accomplishments

• I created Grinnell College’s community enhancement and engagement function to create partnerships for community building.
• With campus and community partners, I helped found the Grinnell Education Partnership to make a meaningful difference in the lives of kids and families.
• During the pandemic emergency, I convened community partners and networked with national colleagues to quickly respond to emerging community needs.

Watch Monica’s remarks

See all of the past Women of Influence Honorees