Monique N. Johnson
Priority Areas I Work In:
Advocacy | Community Solutions | Capacity Building | Locally-focused Work (Alamosa County, Morgan County and Rio Grande County)
Monique is a silver linings person. You’ll notice this immediately upon meeting her; she chooses authenticity and laughter whenever possible. Also a true change agent, Monique creates connections and works towards health equity where it matters most – in local communities across Colorado.
Monique started at the Foundation in September 2017. This is her first foray into philanthropy after working in housing and community / economic development with the City and County of Denver for eleven years. During that time, her position naturally evolved to focus more on community engagement, so Monique’s move to the Foundation was a natural fit as we actively focus on expanding our reach in communities across the state. In her role as a program officer, Monique sees herself as a connector and a liaison between communities and the Foundation, helping us live up to our mission of helping all Coloradans live healthy lives. She is acutely aware that every Coloradan needs basic amenities – housing, a decent job with a living wage, access to education and health care – in order have health in reach.
As a wife and a mother of three boys, ensuring that her family has everything they need to be healthy is important to Monique. She believes that it is vital that we each live in a community, state, and nation where those same opportunities to be healthy exist for everyone. She shares, “If it’s important to me, it should be important to everyone.”
Monique grew up in Colorado, is an avid sports fan (both playing and watching), and can proudly say that she has hiked nearly every fourteener in the state, most of them before the age of 14! Her healthiest habit is her daily prayer and devotional; she treasures having focused time for mindfulness and gratitude. Her office is filled with inspirational quotes – and Snickers bars. Lots of Snickers bars. When it comes down to it, life is good for Monique when her children are smiling and her community is happy. She strives to laugh every day and always seeks out the good in everything – finding that silver lining.
Education
BA Communications – Colorado State University
Certificate in African American Studies – Colorado State University