Her dedication, hard work and involvement with Southern Housing have seen her win many awards through the years.
Monica was born in a small parish in Jamaica and sadly lost her mother at the age of seven. She was brought up by her father and Aunt (her mother’s sister). Her Aunt had an opportunity to come to the UK in 1954 as part of the Windrush generation and took Monica with her. They settled into a new life in Brixton, South London.
Monica went on to have three children of her own and, with housing being a major issue at the time, she was inspired to get involved as she wanted to have a positive impact and influence on social housing in the best way she could. This eventually led Monica to volunteer and become an involved resident with Southern Housing.
She has held many different positions within the organisation, including Chair of the Resident Strategy Group and the Older People’s Coordinating Group.
In 2021, Monica was awarded the MBE from Princess Anne in recognition of her hard work.
Reflecting at the time on that moment, Monica said: “Princess Anne knew I’d been awarded for working in housing and asked me to say a little bit about representing residents and giving them a voice. It was one of my proudest moments and something I will forever bask in.”
She added:
“I’m extremely proud of my resident involvement journey with Southern Housing and the positive difference that residents have made along the way.
Congratulations to Southern Housing on reaching this remarkable 125-year milestone; here’s to the next 125 years of residents continuing to shape, influence, and strengthen the organisation.”