Growing up, Monique spent her time between the City of Detroit and the Oakland County suburbs. This experience provided Monique with unique insights into the disparate physical landscape, amenities and educational opportunities of various communities.  Acutely aware of these realities, she strives to bring inspiring spaces and real estate education to underserved areas. Monique believes working alongside residents and community groups is fundamental to building understanding, trust and sustained neighborhood growth.

Monique graduated from the University of Michigan LSA Honors College with a dual degree in International Studies and Spanish. From there, Monique taught second grade in the City of Detroit before going on to join The Platform and later, Shelborne Development. At The Platform, she lead community engagement and investor relations for the company's $75 million fund while supporting development management on several mixed-use, market rate deals. At Shelborne Development, she focused on affordable & historic tax credit projects, overseeing architects and contractors while coordinating with lenders and municipal partners to ensure maintenance of project vision and schedule. Monique is Manager of Program Implementation for Building Community Value's Better Buildings, Better Blocks training that teaches Detroiters the essentials of real estate development. The program is in its 15th cohort, having enrolled over 400 students since its inception.  

As Co-Founder and Partner of Mona Lisa Living, Monique leads development management, business development and design direction. When she is not working, you can find Monique harmonizing the feng shui of her home, thrift shopping for vintage finds or basking in the architecture of a beautiful building.