Conversations with Monique McNeely

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique McNeely.

Hi monique, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, the proud daughter of two incredibly hardworking parents whose families had labored as migrant farmers in the 60s and 70s. They were Phoenix natives who dreamed of a better life for their four children—and they fought for it. They taught us that family was everything, and we lived that truth every day, surrounded by love, laughter, and a community so rich that I can say I have 76 first cousins.
Growing up, I was an AB honor roll student, deeply involved in choir and music, always striving to make my family proud. But when it came time for college, the financial reality hit hard. I couldn’t afford it—so I went to work. I started as a receptionist, then moved into marketing and promotions in radio, where I learned the power of storytelling, connection, and hustle. I made incredible contacts and discovered my gift for planning—from events and rollouts to weddings and corporate launches.

Still, I knew college was important. I was determined to become a marketing and project manager, and I never let go of that dream. Even when life threw me a curveball—in the form of my beautiful daughter—I kept going. With my parents’ unwavering support, I went back to school, worked full-time, and graduated from the University of North Texas with a 2-year-old on my hip. My family stepped in to help raise her while I chased my goals, and I’ll never forget that.

From there, I climbed the corporate ladder—starting as a client service representative, then an account manager in a healthcare-adjacent industry. My knack for organization didn’t go unnoticed, and I finally stepped into the role I was meant for: project manager. I led client implementations, then moved into IT project management, where a phenomenal mentor taught me to own my voice and lead with confidence.

But the most meaningful part of my journey? I married an incredible man who adopted my daughter and has stood by my side for the past 10 years. Together, we’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and purpose.

Today, I’m proud to serve as Sr. Manager of Project Management Operations & Workforce Capability Enablement, helping others grow, lead, and succeed. My journey—from Phoenix roots to corporate leadership—is a testament to family, faith, and fierce determination.

I didn’t just climb the ladder—I built it, step by step, with love, grit, and purpose.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not—it’s been anything but a smooth road. But every bump, twist, and uphill climb shaped me into the leader I am today.
There were moments of real struggle. I couldn’t afford college when I graduated high school, so I went straight to work.

Going back to school while working full-time was hard enough—but doing it with a toddler? That was next-level. I had my daughter while I was in college, and there were nights I cried from exhaustion, days I questioned if I could keep going. But I did. Because I had a village—my parents, my family, my community—who stepped in to help me raise her while I chased my dream. I literally have a photo of a child on my hip at graduation. I was so proud of that moment, for myself but for her more importantly.

I’m also a survivor of domestic violence. It’s not something I talk about often, but it’s part of my story. It happened before I met my husband, and it was one of the hardest chapters of my life. But again, my family helped me through it. Their love and support gave me the strength to rebuild and rise.

The road wasn’t smooth—but it was worth it. Every challenge taught me resilience. Every setback taught me strategy. And every success reminded me that I’m capable of more than I ever imagined.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for building systems that work because they’re designed with people in mind. Whether it’s optimizing project workflows, enabling teams with tools, or designing training programs that actually stick—I focus on making work better for the people doing it.

What sets me apart? I bring a unique blend of empathy, precision, and lived experience. Every step of my journey taught me how to lead with both heart and clarity. I’m proud of the resilience it took to get here—and even prouder of the impact I get to make every day.

As a Sr. Manager of Project Management Operations & Workforce Capability Enablement, I get to be a cheerleader for possibility—for agile outcomes, for innovation, and for the people behind the projects. It’s a STEM role, and I’ve proudly held STEM roles for years, showing that being a girl-boss in tech isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

My superpower? Seeing potential—in people, in processes, and in possibilities—and helping bring it to life.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
work related: Women in Tech Podcast, Digital Project Manager Podcast, PM Happy Hour
nonwork related: Serial or any true crime podcasts (for some reason these help me relax)

Books:
Anything that is fantasy for non work related. For work, i like to read the latest and greatest on tips and techniques.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo_mcnandez/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monique.hernandez1
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-mcneely-945aa0/

Image Credits
Gwen Fitzgerald on the headshot only. She is my niece