Meet Monica Figueroa King a 2016 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Executive Director, Healthy Start Coalition of Broward County
“My parents taught me that regardless of financial capacity or perceived position of power that you can influence the world around you.”- Monica Figueroa King, Executive Director, Healthy Start Coalition of Broward County
Monica Figueroa King comes from a diverse melting pot of Latin cultures. Her father is of Cuban descent, her mother was born in Honduras and her parents met in Puerto Rico where Monica and her two sisters were born. Her parents both were in the Peace Corps and it was that sense of duty that was instilled in Monica at an early age and she has used that desire to serve her community throughout her life.
Monica earned her BA in International Studies from Emory University and her MA in International Affairs from George Washington University. And although her education is firmly rooted in international affairs, her heart and experience has led her to a long association in being a leading child advocate.
While at the Department of Children and Families, Monica was instrumental in the privatization of Broward’s Child Welfare Services from the state to a community-based agency. This work, over a two-year period, involved the transition of a $67 million operation.
Later with the Children’s Services Council of Broward she spearheaded the countywide community “Plan for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.” This project received accolades from leaders across the state and by the Executive Office of the Governor. The framework for “Prevention” has been replicated and expanded across Florida.
Up until recently Monica served as the Executive Director for ChildNet, the leading agency selected by Broward County responsible for child welfare services in Circuit 17.
As the new Executive Director of the Healthy Start Coalition of Broward County, Monica and her staff are responsible for the maternal child health system of care to promote the health and well-being of babies to ensure they have a healthy start in life.
Monica and her husband, Kenneth King, a Broward County Schools administrator, are the proud parents of two teenagers, Maya and Miles.
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In the coming weeks Latin Business Today will we share the amazing stories of the 2016 Hispanic Women of Distinction Honorees.
For more information, visit Hispanic Women Of Distinction or (954) 709-1622.
