Meet Our Founder
Monica Lee Ridgeway, MPA (She/Her/Ella)
Monica serves as the Organizational Development and Capacity Building Manager for the National Harm Reduction Coalition, specializing in HIV advocacy and civil rights. With a background in harm reduction initiatives, she has played key roles in addressing HIV/AIDS and has received recognition for her contributions.
Monica holds the role of Executive Director at the Life Development Corporation, INC. (LDC) showcasing her leadership and dedication to community development and empowerment. In this capacity, she oversees strategic initiatives, program development, and overall operations to fulfill the organization's mission and make a positive impact on the community. Her role as Executive Director reflects her commitment to driving positive change and improving the lives of individuals through the initiatives of LDC.
Monica is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse educational background and a strong commitment to social impact. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from The Alabama State University and later earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University. Monica has further honed her expertise with certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership from the University of South Florida (USF).
Monica served as the 2020-2021 State Representative and an 2023 AIDSWatch Scholar, championing civil rights for diverse communities. Monica's past roles include State HIV Harm Reduction Initiatives Program Coordinator, where she addressed harm reduction practices for people who inject drugs. She is the Writer and Creator of the "Kentucky Finding Cases Project," a community mobilization health project and serves on the Emory COMPASS Coordinating Center Advisory Board.
Monica has been recognized for her impactful work and contributions, receiving awards such as the 40 for 40 by Emory University, the 2021 POZ 100 and the Alabama State University’s 50 Under 50 Alumni Award in 2020.
Innovator. Intentional. Change Agent. Action Driven.
Monica Lee Ridgeway is a change agent with a heart for the people, dedicated and committed to driving positive change by leveraging a deep understanding of diverse needs and experiences.
Through a combination of empathy and expertise, she aims to create lasting impacts, fostering environments where equity is at the forefront. With a genuine commitment to progress, Monica's consulting expertise aims to empower people and organizations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in an equitable and supportive environment.
"12one12: The Date that Ignited Change and Purpose"
12ONE12: A Symbol of Personal Rebirth and Commitment to Positive Change
12ONE12 Consulting, LLC is more than a name; it holds a profound significance rooted in a transformative moment on December 1st, 2012 – World AIDS Day. On this day that symbolizes both remembrance and activism, Monica discovered her true purpose and made a conscious decision to dedicate her life to becoming a change agent. 12ONE12 Consulting, LLC embodies the spirit of dedication and advocacy, shaped by her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. It serves as a platform for transformative initiatives, reflecting a deep sense of purpose and a mission to contribute positively to individuals and communities. The essence of this commitment is woven into the fabric of 12ONE12 Consulting, LLC defining its purpose, fostering a legacy of meaningful change and guiding its efforts towards a lasting impact.
"Innovation is anything but business as usual."
Anonymous