Influential Woman · Writing/Publishing
Monika M. Pickett, MBA
Author, Monika M. Pickett, LLC
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Her Story
About Monika
Monika M. Pickett is an author, LGBTQ advocate, speaker, blogger, and U.S. Army veteran whose work is rooted in resilience, reinvention, and authentic storytelling. After earning her MBA from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, she was living in Chicago when she experienced a life-altering stroke in 2010. Faced with memory loss and residual nerve damage, Monika made the difficult decision to completely redefine both her personal and professional path. Determined not to let the experience defeat her, she turned to journaling as a way to rebuild her mind, process her emotions, and reclaim her sense of purpose.
What began as a healing exercise ultimately became the foundation for her writing career. Monika transformed her journals into her first novel and went on to create the Pretty Boy Blue trilogy, a bold and emotionally layered series currently being pitched to Hollywood production companies. Over the past decade, she has built a growing platform as an independent author, conducting book talks, public readings, and speaking engagements while also writing articles across multiple media platforms. Through her work, she combines advocacy, lived experience, and storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge social stigmas, particularly within the LGBTQ community.
Today, Monika continues to inspire others through her unwavering commitment to perseverance, faith, and personal transformation. She credits her success to spirituality, resilience, and the belief that setbacks do not define a person’s future. Her message is rooted in the idea that while life may knock you down, you must find the courage to rise again. Guided by values of loyalty, transparency, patience, and compassion, she encourages others to build strong support systems, embrace their strengths, and never be afraid to reinvent themselves in the face of adversity.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monika
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would have to say my spirituality and surrendering. My life changed when I just broke down and realized that I could not do this thing called life on my own. Once I surrendered to God's will, and not my own will, He started placing people in my life like they were attracted to me - I was attracting them, but I didn't have to chase anyone. For example, my producer reached out to me after she read my first book, and she's a well-respected producer, and I was just floored. I had to surrender to God's will, and not my own, even with me being in a wheelchair now. I don't know if this is my new normal, and if it is, this is again God's will, because I'm still here. Once I surrendered to God's will, things just started to shift.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from one of my finance professors from Johns Hopkins. He told us in class one day to surround yourself with people who know how to do what you don't know how to do, what you don't want to do, and what you don't have time to do. For example, I'm an author, but I'm not an editor and I'm not a copy editor. People don't realize that you get what you pay for, so as an indie author, everything is out of pocket - I don't have a traditional publishing company behind me. Just surround yourself with people who do what you don't know how to do, what you don't want to do, and just stay in your lane. Surround yourself with people who will support you and help you win.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to trust themselves, be courageous, and never allow fear or the opinions of others to limit their potential. Taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone are often necessary parts of growth, and I believe it is important to pursue work that genuinely inspires and fulfills you rather than focusing solely on financial success. I also believe in leading with faith, integrity, honesty, and compassion, because those values will guide you through both challenges and opportunities. Most importantly, I would encourage them to block out negativity, stay true to their vision, and have confidence in their ability to create meaningful success on their own terms.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say loyalty, transparency, and patience. You never know what someone else is going through, so compassion is important too. My spirituality is central to everything - surrendering to God's will changed my life. Once I surrendered to God's will and not my own will, He started placing people in my life and things shifted for me, even with me being in a wheelchair now and dealing with serious health challenges.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.