The Young Women Professionals League (YWPL) is excited to announce the installation of its first elected Executive Leadership. In November 2020, YWPL held an inaugural election where the following members were voted into executive leadership: Monique Spence (President), Tyaisha Robinson (1st VP of Membership Services), Amari Griffin (2nd VP of Service Initiatives), and Sherri Simmons (Recording Secretary). In this announcement, we’re happy to share more about our new President, Monique Spence.
Monique, also known as “Coach Mo,”is a nationally recognized life coach and leadership trainer. Monique helps individuals achieve their goals by unlocking the restraints that have held them back. Monique’s expertise and experience will help YWPL achieve its full potential by providing leadership, infrastructure and business acumen to take the League to the next level. Monique’s national network will also increase YWPL’s exposure to retain and grow our membership.
Recently, we spent some time with President Spence to learn more about her experience and vision for YWPL.
1.) When were you inducted into The League and what has been your journey/experience thus far?
What a joy it has been to be a part of The League. I was inducted in 2018, you know back when life was normal. I have loved every minute of this experience. I know a whole lot of people, but I have met and become friends with so many other dope professional women. Women that I might not have met any other way. The service opportunities plus the sisterhood makes The League a unique experience. I stepped into Leadership at the first opportunity. I get to use my leadership and marketing skills, serve the community, all while having fun with my new friends.
2.) How have your work/life experiences prepared you for your new role?
My whole life has been leading me to this moment in so many ways. I’ve been an entrepreneur since the age of 16. I’ve always had the keen sense of wanting to help people by utilizing my innate business and relationship building skills. Before becoming a Life Coach, I was an executive with Sony Music. I gained a wide variety of experiences particularly in dealing with people, brand building, and overall being a good listener, which in turn provides me with the ability to assist in problem solving and being a solution provider. My creativity and journey through the corporate world and life as an entrepreneur full-time for the last 15 years puts me in alignment with all the ladies in The League.
3.) What would you like to accomplish as the first elected President of YWPL?
I am beyond excited about this fascinating opportunity! I have much to give and I am looking forward to doing it. First, I want to create an environment to achieve the League’s mission which is to serve young women in the 16-24 demographic in workforce development and college retention. Second, I want to bring trust and value to the organization within and outside, both of which need to be earned and not taken for granted. Third, generate revenue to increase our ability to do amazing things for our community. This combination of things will set us up to expand and build a long time legacy of Young Women Professionals!
“I am grateful to my YWPL community for choosing me for this position and allowing me to make history as the first elected leader! I honor this sacred position at this time and I am ready to make herstory for all of us!” says Spence.
Founded in 2015 by Cheresa “Reese” LaFrances Purnell through a partnership with Demoiselle 2 Femme, NFP, the Young Women Professionals League (YWPL) is a Chicago-based service organization honoring influential women of color. YWPL provides leadership development, resources and support to emerging and professional women. The annual 40 Under 40 Award ceremony serves as the official induction into the Young Women Professionals League (YWPL).
The mission of the Young Women Professionals League is to assist in the holistic development of emerging women ages 16-24 and aid the community at-large. Through our College Completion and Workforce Development initiatives, we provide resources and support to advocate for the educational and economic equity of the next generation of women leaders.
We are excited about the new leadership and direction of our organization. For more information, visit our website (www.ywplchicago.org) and follow us on social.