That branding is showcased at about 100 events across the country including galas, walks, parades, teas and other fundraising activities to generate awareness around UNCF’s mission. The organization receives a great deal of media, was named in 2024 by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Top 100 Charities, and last fall was ranked by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the second fastest-growing nonprofit organization. “Before HBCUs were sexy, UNCF was there,” said Owens, who has worked with LeNoir on UNCF projects. “When I was applying to colleges, none of my guidance counselors knew the history of HBCUs. This was pre- “A Different World,” pre-Hillman College. UNCF’s value, and why I hold it in such high regard, is because it was always there advocating for the value and importance of HBCUs.” “Before, it used to just be Lou Rawls,” added Owens. “Now, there are a lot more platforms to tell the HBCU story. I think Monique’s expertise in communications, in building a very competent communications team, continues that drumbeat.” Balancing motherhood and career with board memberships on the Digital Health Equitable Alliance and the African American Wellness Project, in addition to memberships with Jack and Jill of America, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Twelve Days of Christmas Inc., LeNoir isn’t sure what’s next professionally, but she is proud of what she has helped to accomplish for UNCF and the community at large. She also took a page out of her late mother’s book who served on UNCF’s executive council about five decades ago. “UNCF has helped so many students,” said LeNoir whose office is plastered with archived posters from yesteryear’s Evening with the Stars. “We market to the students we serve. We want students to know college is possible. As a mom of two sons, knowing we’ve been able to make such a difference, knowing I’m the communications person, it is so rewarding to work for an organization like this.”
At a certain point, I felt called to return to communications, and while attending a UNCF event, I looked at available jobs on their website and the first opportunity that came up was the national director of communications role at UNCF. I took that as a sign and applied.” Combining her experience in communications, development and education in the government and nonprofit sector, LeNoir threw herself into her career with UNCF, while balancing motherhood, sisterhood, community service and self care. But it was no easy task – even though she makes it look like a piece of cake. She rises at 5:30 a.m. “year round” without even setting an alarm, and attends an outdoor bootcamp as long as it’s not below 17 degrees. With her oldest son at Morehouse, she now only has to take her youngest son to high school. She then starts her day either at UNCF’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. – a five-minute walk from her alma mater – or remotely by checking work emails. “My sister always said communications is not one of those fields you know what’s going to happen when you get to work,” said LeNoir, whose twin sister Michele LeNoir also attended Howard. “If I can accomplish at least
“I have to say that working moms don’t get nearly enough credit,” said LeNoir who graduated in 1991. “It hasn’t been an easy road, but I’ve spent 10 years at UNCF growing into this role. As a woman in any career, you can’t rest on your laurels, you have to consistently prove yourself and bring your ‘A’ game every single day. I’m incredibly proud to represent women’s leadership at UNCF and to have earned this position. It may have taken a decade, but I got here by staying focused and simply doing the work.” UNCF supports 24 local offices, 37 member HBCUs and LeNoir’s communications team supports six internal divisions including advocacy and development with strategic communications campaigns. CONSISTENCY IN COMMUNICATIONS IS KEY “Communications is anything related to media outreach, strategy, messaging,” said LeNoir. “The strategic creation of assets, materials, messaging and branding shapes how an organization is perceived by target audiences. At UNCF, we’ve been around for more than 80 years. Most people know our tagline. We work to showcase our brand and are proud of our brand and impact. We are the largest scholarship provider to students that want to attend HBCUs."
four things in a day at work and personally, that means I’ve done something.”
HBCU TIMES SUMMER ISSUE 2026 | 4 7
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