Monique Brunson Jones
PRESIDENT & CEO, FOREFRONT
Why does the leadership of Black women in philanthropy matter?
Black women are leading in many spaces, specifically in nonprofit human service organizations. We are natural caregivers and often thrive in spaces where our work is a direct reflection of our values. As Black women leading in these spaces we are charged with raising funds to support our organizations and often times this means engaging with leaders in philanthropy. Having a Black woman leading philanthropy matters because we connect with the struggles and triumphs of the leaders in the nonprofit sector intimately.
We understand what it means to build support, financial and otherwise, for the causes that impact the lives of people in our communities. It's imperative to have the leadership of Black women in philanthropy during a time when we need to be more creative, innovative and nimble as possible because we make the connection to a lived experience often felt more than seen.
We understand what it means to build support, financial and otherwise, for the causes that impact the lives of people in our communities. It's imperative to have the leadership of Black women in philanthropy during a time when we need to be more creative, innovative and nimble as possible because we make the connection to a lived experience often felt more than seen.
Describe your leadership as a Black women in philanthropy in one sentence.
My leadership as a Black women in philanthropy is multidimensional; harnessing both my lived and professional experience into a forward motion known as change.
What does Voice. Vision. Value. mean to you?
It means sustainability. On occasion, one or all of these values are stifled in places where black women aren't equally represented. But when you are able to lean into all three tenets in your daily work and your life the best of you is represented and the best outcomes are afoot. It's really imperative that spaces are inviting of this.
How has the presence and power of Black women changed the philanthropic sector?
The presence of Black women has shifted the power dynamics of philanthropy. There is comfort as sense of understanding that philanthropy is not charity. There is an increased desire to understand what is happening across our communities and a shared responsibility to make sure I'm my sister’s keeper and connect more about the issues and answers to some of our most challenging problems.
How would you describe this moment in history?
Timely. I continue to say that I probably wasn't strong enough to live through the civil rights era. But-because my mother did, I am here now doing what I know best to make sure this moment in history creates lasting change.
What are the ways Black women in philanthropy can support Black women in the movement?
Listen. Really listen and bring others along to make the necessary changes in how we do our work. The systems that are set up now were not built for such a time as this. It's time to design new systems.
Bio
Monique was appointed President & CEO of Forefront in 2020. She previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer at the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF). Monique is a visionary leader with an extensive background in mental health, violence prevention, philanthropy and systems change. She leads the Foundation in supporting local organizations in pursuing their missions through grant making, leadership development and capacity building as well as building permanent endowment to serve the community in perpetuity.
With over 20 years’ experience her career and civic engagement spans the intersections where the lives of those most vulnerable fall victim to structural oppression and inequity. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and University of Texas at Austin. Monique lends her voice and leadership to the field by serving on various boards of directors including the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Beacon Academy, and See Chicago Dance locally. Nationally she serves on the Community Foundations National Standards board and Career Girls. Monique also lectures in the Kapnick Center for Business Institutions at Northwestern University.
Monique lives in Chicago where she enjoys jogging, reading and traveling with her husband and daughter.
With over 20 years’ experience her career and civic engagement spans the intersections where the lives of those most vulnerable fall victim to structural oppression and inequity. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and University of Texas at Austin. Monique lends her voice and leadership to the field by serving on various boards of directors including the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Beacon Academy, and See Chicago Dance locally. Nationally she serves on the Community Foundations National Standards board and Career Girls. Monique also lectures in the Kapnick Center for Business Institutions at Northwestern University.
Monique lives in Chicago where she enjoys jogging, reading and traveling with her husband and daughter.