Women We Admire: Monique Howard, EdD, MPH

Monique Howard, EdD, MPH is a Tide Riser and the Executive Director of WOAR — Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, the only rape crisis center in Philadelphia. Get to know this woman we admire!

Please give us four words that describe you.

Risk Taker, Authentic, Thoughtful, Energetic

What was your first job?

My first job was while I was in high school I was a student math tutor. I then went on to work in the gift store at the base of the Empire State Building in NYC.

What do you do now?

Currently, I am the executive director of WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, the only rape crisis center in Philadelphia. I am integral in helping survivors of rape/sexual assault find their footing on their healing journey. I am also a real estate agent.

What are you reading/watching now?

I watch all things Chicago (Fire, PD, Med), I also have found a love for 1000 piece puzzles. I am always working on one.

What inspires you?

Watching how we have all pivoted during the Covid-19 pandemic. I see people helping each other, changing or adjusting their course and being open to innovation.

What is one intention you have for the next three months?

I want to continue to take risk and challenge myself to do better, move closer to my personal/professional goals.

About Monique

Monique Howard, EdD, MPH is a Tide Riser and the Executive Director of WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, the only rape crisis center in Philadelphia.

Previously, Dr. Howard was the executive director of the Office of Women’s Health at the New Jersey Department of Health where she oversaw the Office of Cancer Control and Prevention, the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection program and the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research. Her goals included ensuring that women’s health issues were addressed throughout the work of the Department.

Prior to the NJ Department of Health, Dr. Howard was the executive director of the New Jersey Women and AIDS Network, the only female specific HIV organization in NJ and amongst the first in the nation. She led a team of dedicated case managers and health educators who provided comprehensive social services to women and families living with HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Howard holds a Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership with a focus in Human Sexuality Education from the University of Pennsylvania.