Meet Monica
I was born to a nurse and carpenter committed to helping others, who instilled in me the value of servant leadership. I’ve dedicated my career to improving health care through policy and technology, and now I’m running to create opportunity and growth for Coloradans.
Public Service to Entrepreneurship
Prior to Colorado, I supported the Affordable Care Act rollout at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and cost effectiveness research at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Since moving to Denver in 2013, I’ve developed and managed business strategy at the State of Colorado, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, and was the Chief Policy and Relations Officer at Connect for Health. In 2019, I launched Meapta Inc. to advocate for bills during Colorado’s legislative session and advise policy advocates in states across the U.S. In 2024 I created Campster.kids to help families of all incomes choose enrichment activities for their children.
Legislative Experience
As the former Chief Policy and Relationships Officer at Colorado’s individual insurance market, I was instrumental in passing legislation to improve access, affordability, and choice including:
The Tax Time Enrollment program
Standardized plans (Colorado Option)
Colorado’s Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (Omnisalud)
I’m experienced in testifying in front of the legislature and running bills. From health care to small business affairs, members of the legislature know my name and want my opinion as a subject matter expert. I’ve been appointed to state committees over the years.
When I’m drafting bills and working on legislation, I’m focused on making sure that people most impacted by proposed policies are key stakeholders and have meaningful input throughout. This approach crosses policy areas and is also how I develop businesses and volunteer efforts in education, sports, and social justice.
I’m deeply proud of the impact of these policies and my work in this field. We know that when people have access to healthcare, they can be safe and healthy, and investing in community health is impactful for generations.
Coloradan, Mom and Precinct Organizer
I was born in Belize to a nurse and carpenter committed to serving others. After working alongside migrant farm workers throughout the Midwest, my family settled in Kansas. But my Colorado roots are strong, with my father’s family in Las Animas where my great uncle built schools, and my maternal grandfather’s service at Lowry Air Force base.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from Smith College and my master’s degree in business administration from Duke University. There I served on the judicial board, was awarded the Asa T. Spaulding Sr. Award for Leadership, and proudly gave our commencement speech on the importance of allyship.
I am part of a two-mom family with amazing kids, animals, and more cousins than I can count. After 18 years of playing rugby, and even more years cheering, I am fortunate to count many teammates in my sports family as well.
As a long time Precinct Organizer and former Finance Chair within the Denver Democrats, I’ve seen up close the energy and generosity of our party. I’m grateful I’ve been able to give to many successful Democrats on the campaign trail and learned from their leadership.
The allies, colleagues, and family in my life taught me the power of community. I believe that when we invest in our community’s safety and stability, even in the face of adversity, we reap bravery and growth.
