Monique Jarvis, an evocative 2Spirit Afro Indigenous (Tuscarora) Spok’n Truth Artist, stands at the forefront of transformative change, epitomizing a unique confluence of innovative leadership and profound artistic commitment. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in strategic nonprofit leadership, she has dedicated herself to leveraging the arts as a powerful medium for societal transformation.

Currently serving as the Director of Communications and Corporate Partnerships at LEAP — a leading New York City creative youth development nonprofit — Monique orchestrates impactful collaborations that echo the organization's commitment to racial equity and social justice. Monique skillfully utilizes philanthropy to elevate voices within communities that are rich in culture yet have historically faced systemic barriers, underrepresentation, and chronic under-resourcing.

Monique's journey commenced in the vibrant tapestry of New England's cultural scene, where for a decade she honed her editorial acumen as the Managing Editor of Southern New England’s then-largest African American newspaper. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her ascent into the echelons of nonprofit and artistic leadership. Fueled by a passion for justice Jarvis co-founded a prominent Connecticut-based spoken word performance arts venue marking a significant milestone and illustrating her prowess in cultivating spaces where art and community converge in advocacy, activism, celebration, and dialogue.
Her work reached beyond conventional settings, extending into maximum security prisons and youth centers for alternative incarceration, where she facilitated creative writing workshops as a strategic measure for violence prevention. Jarvis’ performances have been featured at prestigious venues, including the Vermont School of Law, Yale, and UMass Amherst, and as a guest performer alongside renowned First Nations a cappella trio Ulali, and acclaimed spoken word poet Ursula Rucker.

Support from notable institutions like the Greater Hartford Arts Council and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts enabled Monique to champion voices at the intersection of arts and activism for nearly a decade. Her venue catalyzed a movement, inspiring the establishment of new performance spaces that continue to thrive decades later. For her radical role in enriching Connecticut’s arts landscape, Monique was honored with the Hartford Hero Award, recognizing her enduring impact on the Nutmeg State’s cultural fabric.

In her role as Program Director at LEAP, her visionary leadership spearheaded groundbreaking youth development programs in the South Bronx, helping to secure three national awards throughout her tenure. Advancing to Deputy Supervising Director, she shaped the organization's strategic direction and co-led a broad portfolio of comprehensive afterschool programs, demonstrating unparalleled commitment and innovation.

Monique's academic credentials, including a Master's degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, underscore her systemic approach to social change, integrating Applied Systems Theory, Social Policy, and Counseling Psychology into her leadership and program development strategies.

Yet, it is her artistic soul that truly sets Monique apart. A Spok’n Truth Artist, former National Slam Poet, and a 2Spirit Afro Indigenous Jazz and Blues singer, her creative expressions serve as a bridge, connecting diverse communities through the universal language of art. Born into a lineage of multidisciplinary artists spanning four generations of singing sisters on her maternal line, Monique continues this legacy, proving that art is not just a form of expression but a catalyst for social transformation.

In her current role, Monique Jarvis is not just a title holder; she is a beacon of change, illuminating the intersection of creativity, advocacy, and leadership. Her life's work envisions a future where education is equitable, and the arts serve as a cornerstone of community empowerment, racial equity, justice and belonging for all.