October’s Dignity & Respect Champion is…Monda Williams
Washington County native Monda Williams has a passion for positive, creative change in communities, and it shows through her volunteer work. She has been an active member of her community for nearly a decade working with various causes to help others reach their fulfillment.
Monda was nominated by Bracken Burns, chair of the Greater Pittsburgh Dignity & Respect Council and former Washington County Commissioner. “Monda has proven to be a recognized leader who embraces diversity, and is also known to have a charismatic and influential personality,” said Commissioner Burns.
Since returning to Washington County in 2006 Monda has coordinated events, facilitated classes, and volunteered for numerous community organizations in and around Washington County. As a part of her commitment to community service, she volunteered for The Civic Leadership Institute of Greater Washington, Highland Ridge Community Development Corporation and Community Garden, Community Action Southwest, the N.A.A.C.P, Community Voices Against Violence, The Adult Literacy Council, The Washington Literacy Council, the Washington County Housing Authority, and the neighborhood Drug Awareness Corporation.
Monda joined the military in 1995. During her training experience, she learned the importance of personal discipline, structure, and daily routine. “I learned what it meant to actually respect others-the way that we’re trained in the military is how to embrace other people no matter where they come from, because you may end up side by side with that person,” said Monda.
After receiving an honorable discharge, she attended Ohio State University and began working at Ohio State Medical Center as a medical assistant. However, she recognized she wasn’t utilizing all of her natural talents. “I realized one day that I wasn’t really working on my purpose. I was always taught and told along the way to get involved, be the leader that you volunteer,” she said.
Monda completed a series of Professional Life Coach training courses in March of 2014 in order to follow her passions. To achieve her ultimate goal of helping underserved populations in the Greater Washington area, she began an education plan and received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California University of PA in 2009 and a Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership from Robert Morris University in 2012. As a certified Life Coach, she will use her passion about positive, creative change in communities to aid in the personal growth and development of others.
Nominate a Champion
Do you know an individual who makes a positive impact and promotes an environment of inclusion? If so, nominate the person in your life you feel has made a difference for the Dignity & Respect Champion Award!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L2YHWGZ?
This prestigious award recognizes people who are engaged in their communities, live by the principles of dignity and respect, and promote an environment of inclusion.
The Dignity & Respect Campaign is an awareness initiative designed to join individuals, community leaders, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and corporations under the common notion that everyone deserves dignity and respect. A Dignity & Respect Champion is someone ― nominated by a co-worker, family member, or friend ― who embraces diversity, embodies compassion, and demonstrates mutual respect. For more information and to take the Dignity & Respect Pledge, visit dignityandrespect.org
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