Monica Ray is transforming underserved communities in Washington, D.C., through new approaches to collective engagement with economic opportunities.

Monica Ray is transforming underserved communities in Washington, D.C., through new approaches to collective engagement with economic opportunities.


Monica Ray grew up in a rural neighborhood in North Carolina. After graduating from Fayetteville State University, she wanted to go somewhere she could make a difference. After moving to Washington, D.C., she joined the Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corporation (CHCTDC), an organization dedicated to improving economic opportunity in Wards 7 and 8 by supporting Black entrepreneurs.

During her 30-year tenure at CHCTDC, Ray has made significant improvements in local infrastructure and small business support, raising more than $9 million in funding. Under her leadership, CHCTDC has launched programs like The BlackBone Project, providing Black women-identifying founders with access to community and capital; Destination Congress Heights, supporting small and emerging businesses along key avenues; and Incubate the 8, a cohort program for local retailers. In addition to her work at CHCTDC, Ray chairs the board of advisors at two charter schools and leads the Congress Heights Partnership, a non-profit for collaborative economic development.