Monica Ray

传：Monica T. Ray, an accomplished and forward-thinking executive, brings over three decades of expertise in fiscal and operational management across diverse sectors. Her dynamic career in community development spans for-profit and non-profit entities, with a focus on the built environment, workforce and small business development, vocational skills training and job placement for under-accredited adults. For 30 years, Monica served as the Executive Director of Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation, where she now holds the position of President. In this role, Monica developed occupational pathways for workforce development training, benefiting more than 12,000 unemployed adults by equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Her efforts have created pathways to employment for over 9,000 individuals, significantly reducing unemployment rates and enhancing the economic stability of the communities she serves, In addition to her work in workforce development, Monica has been instrumental in addressing the critical need for affordable housing. Under her guidance, more than 4,000 units of affordable housing have been developed, providing safe and accessible homes for countless families. Her comprehensive approach to community building also includes the creation of over $100 million in commercial community-serving facilities, enhancing local amenities and services. Monica’s impact extends further with over 1 million square feet of development currently in the pipeline, promising continued growth and revitalization. Her ability to effectively manage and execute large-scale projects is a testament to her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to community advancement. Simultaneously, she actively contributes to various volunteer leadership roles, showcasing her dedication to community development. Monica founded The Congress Heights Partnership, a 501(C)(3) catalyst for place-making collaboration, designed to convene community dialogue and RESPOND to the concerns of Congress Heights residents, ward 8 businesses, developers, and investors while serving as a trusted clearinghouse for in-depth knowledge and analysis to amplify Congress Heights opportunities aiming to elevate neighborhood programming through integrated place-based economic development. As President of the Congress Heights Community Association, she adeptly balances community preservation with development, underscoring her commitment to sustainable communities. Understanding the importance of education to community building, Monica's leadership extends beyond her professional roles to include founding and chairing Community College Preparatory Academy and co-chairing Cedar Tree Academy, a premiere early childcare public charter school. Her involvement with these organizations emphasizes her passion for education, community revitalization, and economic empowerment. Monica's visionary leadership is evident in the creation of the CHCTDC Small Business Center, a concept she conceived to push innovative Black entrepreneurs to new heights. Recognizing the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in accessing venture capital, Monica spearheaded the BLACKBONE Project, an initiative launched for black women entrepreneurs in March 2023 with community support and a $3.5M dollar investment from JP Morgan Chase, assembling a diverse team of investors, staff, experts, and professionals to democratize access to information and capital within DC’s underserved Black communities. Her commitment to supporting emerging entrepreneurs extends beyond traditional boundaries, as showcased at Sycamore and Oak, a 23,000 square foot mass timber structure promoting local businesses and community well-being. Initiatives like "Incubate the Eight" and the "Chefs-In-Residence" program underscore her dedication to supporting emerging entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth. In response to economic challenges in under-developed areas, Monica champions grassroots awareness and community support through servant leadership with the Anacostia Coordinating Council. Her strategic approach involves early and continuous public participation, empowering stakeholders, and facilitating effective communication between project sponsors and constituents. Her reputation for initiating and implementing requirements that ensure economic objectives are met highlights her commitment to success. Monica Ray is a dedicated and innovative leader in urban development and community revitalization. With over two decades of experience in the field, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in underserved neighborhoods. Her visionary leadership and strategic approach have made significant impacts on workforce development, housing, small business development and infrastructure. Monica Ray’s career is marked by concrete evidence of her efficacy in transforming urban landscapes and improving the lives of residents. Her achievements reflect a deep commitment to creating equitable opportunities and fostering resilient, thriving communities. In 2022, she was conferred a Doctorate of Humane Letters in celebration of her body of work in transforming emerging communities. From rural North Carolina, Monica began her community activism early, evident in her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and mentoring "at-risk" youth. She holds degrees in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University and pursued further education in Program Management at Villanova University. Her leadership skills, honed through college activities and sports, align with her commitment to community improvement. As a long-time resident of Congress Heights, Monica Ray, a doting grandmother to Nehemiah and Hezekiah, engages in diverse interests during her free time, including motorcycling, golfing, competitive hand-dancing, and pursuing her passion for old-school hip-hop and blues as an aspiring DJ. Her multifaceted background and unwavering dedication make her a transformative force in both professional and community circles.