An experienced lobbyist and policy analyst, Monique has more than 20 years of experience in government affairs – including policy strategy and development, analysis and drafting of legislation, state procurement and other advocacy initiatives. Industries such as renewable energy, transportation, professional sports, higher education, economic development and state procurement rely upon the quality of her connections to cut through red tape and help shape the laws that govern their businesses. Monique provides access and legislative entree at the highest levels of Michigan state government.

Monique recently served as deputy legal counsel for Governor Whitmer’s transition team, providing legal counsel for all aspects of the transition and legislative agenda – including advising on and helping to implement policy agenda and initiatives, advocating for support of minority and women-owned businesses, crafting executive directives, forging relationships with state department directors and staff, and helping shape state procurement policies to benefit businesses located in opportunity and HUB zones. She previously served as assistant vice president of strategic initiatives for the Office of Governmental Affairs, as director of government affairs for the Department of Management and Budget, as deputy director of legislative affairs for the Office of the Governor and as a legislative policy analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives.

“Government affairs requires vision, sage judgment and great finesse,” Monique explains. “Sometimes your client has made a mistake or has allowed something to slip through the cracks, when you walk in the door of state government, you’re not pretending otherwise; you can’t. But you’re still asking for a law to be reframed because that change will also positively impact a broader community. It’s a fine line, which one can only walk successfully if your own integrity and honesty are never in question. Of course, there are other factors too. A fellow lobbyist once told me that people trust me and enjoy working with me, because of that, they are willing to help me accomplish what I need to do for my clients.”

Monique is particularly passionate about helping small businesses, particularly minority and women-owned businesses, navigate the bureaucracy of Michigan state law, whether with procurement or other regulatory issues. “A lot of small businesses don’t have the resources or the knowledge base to understand that their voices do matter in state government, and that they can and should have an impact. I try hard to close that gap.”