Board Service That Transforms Organizations

Discover how Monica T. Ray’s board and advisory leadership drives equity, innovation, and long-term impact across civic, educational, and cultural institutions.

Civic & Economic Development

Washington Convention and Sports Authority (EventsDC)

Board Member

As a member of the governing board for D.C.’s premier sports, entertainment, and events authority, Monica leverages her expertise in placemaking and community wealth strategies to influence how EventsDC delivers equitable growth for the city. With a unique vantage point as a Ward 8 resident, she champions strategies that connect major venues—such as the Entertainment and Sports Arena—to community advancement, small business opportunity, and leadership pathways for youth.

Federal City Council

Board Member

Monica collaborates with D.C.’s top civic, business, and nonprofit leaders to shape the capital’s future through public-private partnerships and bold development initiatives. Her voice at the table ensures that equitable reinvestment east of the Anacostia River is prioritized in the Council’s work to expand D.C.’s competitiveness, strengthen its infrastructure, and grow its economic base.

Congress Heights Business Improvement District (BID)

Founder & Organizing Board Member

Monica spearheaded a decade-long campaign to launch the Congress Heights BID, building consensus among property owners and guiding legislation through the D.C. Council and DSLBD process. As a founding board member, she is shaping the BID’s long-term strategy to improve safety, visibility, and economic vibrancy in one of the city’s fastest-changing corridors.

Education & Leadership

Community College Preparatory Academy (CCPrep)

Board Chair & Co-Founder (2014–2024)

Monica co-founded and served as Board Chair of the first adult charter school east of the river. She guided CCPrep from concept to execution, oversaw the launch of its permanent campus—the C. Vanessa Spinner Educational Campus—and navigated leadership transitions with steady governance. Her decade of board service positioned CCPrep as a national model for adult education and workforce development.

Cedar Tree Academy

Vice Chair (2012–2024)

As Vice Chair, Monica supported the Academy’s mission to deliver quality education to underserved youth. Her governance emphasized financial oversight, leadership accountability, and student-centered innovation.

Friends of CCPrep Advisory Council

Founder & Organizer (2025–present)

Building on her legacy with CCPrep, Monica established the Friends of CCPrep Advisory Council to strengthen philanthropic and civic support for adult learners. The Advisory Council mobilizes new partners, expands fundraising capacity, and ensures sustainable investment in adult workforce readiness.

Kiongozi Leadership Collective

Founder & Advisory Lead

Monica created the Kiongozi Leadership Collective to prepare the next generation of women leaders through an intentional framework of sistership, mentorship, and transformative dialogue. As Advisory Lead, she guides governance and program design, ensuring the Collective develops women who can lead, advocate, and shift power within their communities.

Cultural & Legacy Institutions

Anacostia Coordinating Council

Vice Chair (2014–present)

Monica helps steer one of Ward 8’s oldest and most influential civic coalitions. She brings a focus on cross-sector collaboration, aligning nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to advance equity, improve quality of life, and respond to pressing community issues.

Recreation Wish List Committee

Board Member

Monica advances the Committee’s mission to expand recreational access and wellness opportunities for youth and families across D.C. Her role underscores her commitment to the transformative power of sports and recreation as vehicles for equity and leadership development.

Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Foundation

Board Member

As a steward of Mayor Barry’s enduring legacy, Monica supports programming that uplifts youth leadership, civic engagement, and community advocacy. She helps ensure that the “Mayor for Life’s” contributions continue to inspire new generations of Washingtonians.

Historic Howard Theatre Restoration Board

Board Member

Monica contributes to preserving and activating one of D.C.’s cultural jewels—the Howard Theatre. She supports efforts to sustain the Theatre as a living landmark for Black music, arts, and culture, while positioning it for long-term relevance and financial sustainability.