MONICA JAMES

Monica James has built a long career in preventive health and hospice care. She worked at Paris Health and the nonprofit Gateway to Care, collaborating with FQHCs, clinics, and physicians to educate the public on managing chronic conditions through evidence-based programs. She later focused on end-of-life care, addressing misconceptions about hospice among both the public and healthcare professionals to help families access services sooner. Monica serves as Vice President of the Adult Protective Services Region 6 board, where she helps raise funds to fill service gaps for aging and disabled clients, such as providing chairlifts, ramps, or home repairs after hurricanes in Houston. In addition, she assists small nonprofits with grants, business proposals, and planning events including the MLK Day Parade and gala. She attributes her drive to the fulfillment of educating people and making a difference through interactions with organizations and the public. Her advice to young women is to hone personal skills based on repeated feedback about strengths, advocate for oneself especially as a woman or minority, build relationships, ask questions, step into opportunities even if not fully prepared, and not fear changes in career direction.