News & Current Events
Learn more about Monica's most recent projects, initiatives and upcoming events.
BREAKING NEWS
Monica Ray Featured on Holland & Knight's Real Estate Law Unlocked Podcast
Monica Ray Featured on Holland & Knight's Real Estate Law Unlocked Podcast
Discussing the Creation of Washington, D.C.'s 13th Business Improvement District
Monica Ray joined land use attorney Kyrus L. Freeman on Holland & Knight's Real Estate Law Unlocked podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the founding of the Soul of the City Business Improvement District — Washington, D.C.'s 13th BID — serving the Congress Heights, Washington Highlands, and Bellevue corridors of Ward 8.
While the conversation centered on the technical process of creating a BID, what emerged was a much larger story about community transformation, patience, and the power of sustained leadership.
Upcoming Events
Recent Press
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!
April 9th, 2026
WBJ Diversity Awards 2026 Honoree Monica Ray
April 8th, 2026
The American Dream TV: Highlighting Sycamore & Oak
March 31st, 2026
Voices of Ward 7 and 8: Honoring the women who make Southeast
March 15th, 2026
Soul of the city: currently hiring for a new Executive Director
July 25th, 2024
Monica Ray On Fox 5:
The Second Annual BlackBone
Fayetteville State University - DC Alumni Chapter Presents
BOLD Blue & White
Day Party Fundraising Gala
Hosted by the FSU DC Alumni Chapter, Day-LA introduces a bold, high-energy approach to alumni engagement and student support.
Monica Ray is proud to serve on the Planning Committee for FSU Day-LA (Dayla), the 2026 reimagined alumni fundraising experience hosted by the Fayetteville State University DC Alumni Chapter.
When: April 18, 2026
Where: Martin's Crosswinds - 7400 Gateway Center Drive | Greenbelt MD
TIme: 1pm - 5pm
Voices of Impact
Hear from leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members whose lives and organizations
have been transformed through Monica's work.
Blogs & Articles
More Than a Mentor: Why Sponsorship Changed Everything for Me
Mentors advise. Sponsors open doors. Monica Ray on the power of sponsorship and sisterhood. ...more
Leadership ,mentor
May 15, 2026•3 min read
Soul of the City BID
On Earth Day, the Soul of the City BID officially launched in Ward 8 — a milestone more than a decade in the making. What began as a vision is now visible on every block of the corridor. ...more
Leadership ,Community
April 23, 2026•3 min read
Let's Build Together
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