News & Current Events

Learn more about Monica's most recent projects, initiatives and upcoming events.

News & Current Events

Monica is the founder and champion behind some of the most innovative community

ventures in Washington, DC and beyond. Check out recent news & current events below!

September 30th, 2025

CC Prep

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

August 1st, 2025

A New Chapter for Monica Ray

Coming January 2026

Power Shifts Podcast Launching Soon

In Progress

Congress Heights BID

Breaking News

Mayor Bowser Cuts the Ribbon on the Community College Preparatory Academy

This month, we're thrilled to celebrate a major milestone for Community College Preparatory Academy — Mayor Muriel Bowser officially cut the ribbon on the Academy on September 26, 2025!

This incredible achievement marks the culmination of years of dedication and visionary leadership from Monica T. Ray and her team, who have worked tirelessly to make this moment possible. Their commitment to expanding access to education and empowering communities continues to inspire us all.

🎥 Click the link below to watch the livestream and relive this historic moment!

Voices of Impact

Hear from leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members whose lives and organizations

have been transformed through Monica's work.

Monica T. Ray - Testimonials

Blogs & Articles

Intentionality Builds Cities: What the St. Elizabeths Update Revealed About Our Future

Intentionality Builds Cities: What the St. Elizabeths Update Revealed About Our Future

When you center community and expand opportunity, excellence rises. This is equitable development in real time—and it’s a blueprint for every chronically disinvested community. ...more

Leadership

November 20, 20253 min read

POWER OF POTENTIAL

POWER OF POTENTIAL

New Blog Post DescriptionA Week in the Life of a Community Developer: Accountability, Equity & the Future We’re Building in Congress Heights Some weeks in this work feel ordinary. Others remind you e... ...more

Leadership

November 17, 20255 min read

A New Chapter for Congress Heights: Reclaiming Our Narrative, Rewriting Our Future

A New Chapter for Congress Heights: Reclaiming Our Narrative, Rewriting Our Future

This moment in Ward 8 isn’t accidental. It’s the result of years of organizing, advocacy, and unapologetic belief in the potential of our people and our place. And now, with more than $1B in public an... ...more

Leadership

November 15, 20254 min read

Community Rising: Reflections from the Whitman-Walker Gala

Community Rising: Reflections from the Whitman-Walker Gala

Community Rising: Reflections from the Whitman-Walker Gala ...more

Leadership

November 14, 20252 min read

Open the Government, Not Negotiations — Don’t Let Short-Term Reopening Become Election Season Theater

Open the Government, Not Negotiations — Don’t Let Short-Term Reopening Become Election Season Theater

We’ve arrived at a crossroads. The federal government remains closed, unable to function fully because of a political tug-of-war that should have ended weeks ago. Meanwhile, too many Americans are pay... ...more

Leadership

November 10, 20254 min read

Sycamore & Oak Turns One

Sycamore & Oak Turns One

New Blog Post Description ...more

Leadership

September 29, 20252 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.

Contact Us

(202) 539-4810

Follow Monica On Social Media!

Copyright 2025 @ Designed Services, Inc. All rights reserved.