Monica Yvonne brings her twin passions for teaching and legal advocacy to the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. As the director of training, she leads the Shriver Center’s efforts to use education and training as a tool to advance racial and economic justice.
Monica says her lived experience with poverty, racism, sexism, and trauma have made her a stronger person and advocate. Her background has allowed her to reach diverse students as an educator and low-income clients as a lawyer. Monica puts racial equity and social justice at the forefront of her work. She has led numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
As an attorney, Monica has provided holistic legal services to U.S. veterans, military families, and other clients living in poverty. Her expertise includes bankruptcy, housing, education, health and public benefits, and veterans benefits. As a supervising attorney for Legal Aid of Western Ohio, she led a robust legal team working in partnership with The Department of Job and Family Services.
Monica is a proud first-generation college graduate and attorney. She received her undergraduate diploma in secondary education at the University of North Florida in 2000. She earned her law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2011. Monica plays as hard as she works. She is an avid reader and an enthusiastic cook, bicyclist, and walker. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family most of all.
67 East Madison Street, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60603
phone: 312.263.3830
