Monica T. Ray
Visionary Civic Leader | Social Entrepreneur | Community Wealth Builder
About Monica T. Ray
Monica Ray is a transformational leader who turns vision into legacy. For over 30 years, she's been building power at the intersection of community, capital, and capacity—supporting Black women entrepreneurs, revitalizing neighborhoods, and coaching the next generation of leaders.
Her work is rooted in lived experience and powered by her belief in the potential of people and place. From leading the Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corporation to founding the BlackBone Project, Monica creates sustainable change that transforms communities from the inside out.
"The Power of Potential, Activated."
"After 30 years of experience in leadership & community development, I know that helping people and places rise to their full potential through transformational leadership, community development, and strategic partnership is absolutely critical to empower the next generation of change-makers."
-Monica T. Ray
Skills, Expertise, & Offerings
Whether you're building an organization, scaling a mission, or leading through change—
Monica brings the strategy, clarity, and commitment to help you succeed.
Community Development & Consulting
With over 30 years of experience within the community development space, Monica offers strategic guidance for affordable housing, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization projects.
Board & Executive Leadership Coaching
As an experienced coach & leadership developer, Monica provides personalized coaching for nonprofit leaders and executives ready to scale their impact.
Black Women's Leadership Advocacy
Monica is extremely passionate about empowering Black women entrepreneurs through the work she does at the BlackBone Project and the Kiongozi Leadership Collective.
Small Business Capacity Support
Monica is an expert at providing comprehensive support for entrepreneurs including access to capital, training, and sustainable marketplace opportunities.
Interested in staying in touch?
If you're looking to stay up to date on all the incredible impact we're making, including strategic community development, transformational leadership, Black women's advocacy and empowerment, or comprehensive small business support, you're in the right place!
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Key Projects & Partnerships
Monica is the founder and champion behind some of the most innovative community
ventures in Washington, DC and beyond.
The BlackBone Project
Supports over 1,000 Black women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, community, and capacity-building resources.
Congress Heights
Partnership
10-year organizing effort bringing visibility, investment, and safety to the Congress Heights corridor.
Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corp.
Transformed a local nonprofit into a nationally recognized community development powerhouse over 30 years.
Kiongozi Leadership Collective
A powerful yearlong development experience for Black women leaders rooted in sisterhood and transformational leadership.
Sycamore & Oak Marketplace
Environmentally sustainable marketplace supporting local entrepreneurs based in Southeast DC.
Community College Preparatory Academy
DC's first adult charter school east of the Anacostia River, providing pathways to workforce readiness.
Voices of Impact
Hear from the leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members whose lives and organizations
have been transformed through Monica's work.
Recent Press
When the World Turns on Black Women: A Reflection on Power, Proximity, and the Fragility of Our Progress
When the World Turns on Black Women: A Reflection on Power, Proximity, and the Fragility of Our Progress ...more
Leadership ,Community
December 09, 2025•5 min read
Week-Ending Reflections: Re-Entry, Renewal, and the Rhythm of Community
Transformation doesn’t shield you from the whirlwind—it equips you for it. ...more
Community
December 08, 2025•3 min read
Alto Paraíso — “What nature is teaching me about leadership…”
People call it the Brazilian savanna, but that phrase is too thin to hold its truth. ...more
Leadership ,Community &World Travel
November 27, 2025•5 min read
MARCH DAY Macha de Mulheres Negras
This is what global sistership looks like. This is what global sistership feels like. ...more
Leadership ,Community &World Travel
November 26, 2025•4 min read
What It Feels Like to Be Part of This Delegation…
There is a particular rhythm to being part of a delegation of Black women. It’s part spiritual alignment, part cultural intuition, part unspoken sisterhood. You feel it the moment the day begins — eve... ...more
Leadership ,Community &World Travel
November 25, 2025•5 min read
Let's Build Together
Ready to transform your vision into impact? Join Monica's network and discover how strategic leadership creates lasting change.
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