Monika previously served as the Assistant Director of Access and Opportunities at the University of Nevada, Reno. In this role, she oversaw two federally funded programs, as well as one state funded retention initiative. She worked closely with the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Nevada Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Education to successfully implement grant objectives statewide. Monika was responsible for leading advocacy efforts by meeting with lawmakers at the federal and state level, as well as public relation initiatives for access and retention work.

Monika has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a master’s in Counseling Educational Psychology and a PhD in Education with a focus in Equity and Diversity from the University of Nevada, Reno.