The Young Shakespeareans 

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Monica is a multidisciplinary creative, connector, and strategist with a heart rooted in storytelling, community, and purpose. She bridges philanthropy and art as interconnected expressions of how we live, lead, and connect. 

Monica brings over 18 years of experience in development, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and community engagement to helping schools, nonprofits, and grassroots movements raise funds for equity-centered, youth-driven work with sustainable strategies that generate resources, deepen engagement, and create lasting impact.

She launched the creative strategy house First & Santa Fe with intention, clarity, and heart to help changemakers align their purpose with their practice, and to offer culturally responsive, human-centered consulting that honors the complexity of our communities.