10/19/2026
Monica started her career as a restaurant manager for Taco Bell. Thirty years later she was the first woman to become Chief Operations Officer for KFC in the United States. She was also the first LGBTQ leader to be promoted to the C-Suite at Yum! Brands, one of the largest restaurant companies in the world.
Monica's lifework is helping leaders, especially frontline leaders discover what is theirs to do and realize their potential to change lives, starting with their own. A sought-after speaker, Monica's uses the power of story to entertain and empower leaders around the world.
In March Monica will publish her first book: Lessons from the Drive-Thru: Real Life Wisdom for Frontline Leaders. In her book, Monica uses stories from behind the counter to illustrate the power of true servant leadership. Both new and experienced leaders learn to:
Shift the focus from "me" to "we" and watch the team thrive and business grow. Discover the power of using uniqueness to lead with authenticity and vulnerability. Realize the potential to impact the lives of those of team members. Anticipate the unexpected and persevere with grace.
Monica lives in Louisville, KY with her wife Onyxe and their fur babies Skye and Louis.
She'll be at the Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference on Nov. 10 at Saint John's Resort, giving her keynote, Doing What Is Yours To Do, and breakout session, Lessons From the Drive Thru.
Get tickets at wihlcon.com/tickets.
