Title: Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs
Company: National Fair Housing Alliance
Location: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Monica L. Reid, director of advocacy and government affairs at National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in government advocacy.
With nearly two decades of experience to her credit, Ms. Reid has established a successful career in government advocacy, specializing in fair housing issues and upholding the Fair Housing Act of 1968. She currently excels as the director of advocacy and government affairs at the NFHA, a position she has held since 2024. In this capacity, she ensures that the Fair Housing Act is upheld and that protected classes do not experience housing discrimination when applying for a rental or purchasing a home. Additionally, she works closely with members of Congress and government agencies to advocate for fair housing, including monitoring new housing-related legislation. She engages with Capitol Hill to advance policies that support fair and affordable housing, leading a team of three to focus on public policy and handle various administrative requests. Additionally, she collaborates with different agencies, specifically on the Hill, and interfaces with members of Congress to further her mission.
Ms. Reid’s experience also includes senior director of advocacy at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers from 2015 to 2024, legislative assistant and analyst at Fairfax County Government from 2007 to 2015, manager at the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Inc. from 2012 to 2013, and government affairs assistant at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Inc. from 2006 to 2007. Laying a solid educational foundation, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in government and international politics and economics from George Mason University in 2006, a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University in 2009, a certification from the Women’s Leadership Program at Yale School of Management Executive Education, and a certification from the Minority Political Leadership Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Ms. Reid has served in various leadership roles, including co-chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice for the Virginia African American Advisory Board from 2019 to 2023, convener of the Northern Virginia Coalition from 2011 to 2018, and regional social action coordinator for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. from 2012 to 2015. She has also dedicated her time with the Virginia Leadership Institute, the Alexandria Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, and the Springfield District Democratic Committee. Active in voter engagement and education, she has contributed to initiatives like the 2018 State of Black Northern Virginia, the 2015 Criminal Discovery Reform in Virginia, and the 2012 NOVA Votes campaign.
Ms. Reid was inspired by the dynamic interactions between local NAACP chapters and African American churches, which highlighted the power of community engagement. Her passion for social justice grew after attending an NAACP conference in Virginia, where she deepened her understanding of the importance of youth and college participation in governance and public policy. A career highlight was her work with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, where she led efforts on criminal justice reform in Virginia, including successful criminal discovery reform, making the process more transparent and aligned with other states.
In light of her impressive undertakings, Ms. Reid has received several prestigious awards, including the Top 40 Under 40 Award from the George Mason University Black Alumni Chapter in 2023, the Ebony Image Award for Government/Politics from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. in 2020, and the Top 40 Under 40 Award from the EnVest Foundation in 2013. Other honors include the Excellence in Social Action Award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., the Marian Van Landingham Legislation and Public Policy Award, and the Member of the Year Award from the Springfield District Democratic Committee. She was also recognized with leadership and social justice awards from George Mason University and the NAACP Medgar Evers Youth Leadership Award. She attributes her success to the many colleagues she has worked alongside and the mentorship she has received. In the coming years, she remains dedicated to collaborating on critical issues such as housing, criminal justice, and social justice.
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