Rising Stars: Meet Erin Monnin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Monnin.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and my family moved to Arizona when I was three. We’ve been here ever since, so Arizona is home. I went to Catholic schools from kindergarten through my senior year of high school and am so grateful for my Catholic education because it helped shape who I am today. I went to Arizona State University and studied Film & Media Production and Business. Still, the most impactful and important part of my four years of college was my experience at the All Saints Catholic Newman Center on ASU’s campus. I was mentored in the Catholic faith by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionaries. I was so inspired by them that I dedicated my first two years out of college to working as a FOCUS missionary! When my two years with FOCUS were complete, I began working for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, Arizona. St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is a large non-profit organization with a mission to feed, clothe, house and heal those in need and provide opportunities to serve. In my first year at SVdP, I was encouraged to apply for the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative (TLI) program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix as a leadership training experience that would benefit me in my work at SVdP. By the grace of God, I was accepted into the program’s second cohort. TLI’s mission is to form lay Catholics to advance the mission of the Church and be Catholic leaders in civil society. TLI taught me a lot and was a catalyst for much of the success I’ve experienced since graduating from the program. I’ve since launched two small businesses, managed and wrote for TLI’s blog for six months, and managed and created content for TLI’s Instagram account for six months. Then, Cristofer Pereyra, CEO of TLI and a good friend of mine, invited me to write a book with him, titled Catholic Leadership for Civil Society. Of course, I said “yes,” and we did it!! It took us a year and a half to write and self-publish this book, and we are so glad it’s finally done and in people’s hands! It was a labor of love and contained a message that we believe is urgent and necessary for Catholics to respond to.

I am also a wife, mother, speaker, social media influencer, brand designer, Young Living Essential Oils brand partner, and a member of the Board of Directors for Catholic Education Arizona.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It has not been a smooth road by any means. The phrase “Anything worth doing is difficult” comes to mind about my life’s journey. It has been true in my experiences. Most of the things I’ve done in my life have been worth doing, yet each has been difficult. Additionally, my mental illnesses – anxiety and depression – have exacerbated every one of my struggles. I can think of two specific seasons of life when really good things came from it, but it was tough to get through.

The first was when I was serving as a FOCUS missionary. The two years I was a missionary were some of my most challenging two years. These were the years that my anxiety and depression took hold of me, I was in a long-distance relationship with my now-husband, and I experienced some of my darkest moments. All that said, nothing was more worth it. At the end of my mission, I helped many college students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. And my now-husband and I came out of those years with a stronger relationship, ultimately leading to our engagement and marriage.

The second example is when I was co-writing Catholic Leadership for Civil Society. I committed to writing this book with Cristofer near the end of 2020. Two months later, I found out I was pregnant. Writing a book during my first pregnancy was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I was constantly battling exhaustion, nausea, and lack of energy while writing my chapters of our book throughout 2021. But again, it was worth the struggles because the book’s message is impacting countless lives for the better!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an entrepreneur, speaker, writer, social media influencer, brand designer, and a Development Officer at The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix. As a dedicated Catholic leader and professional, my faith permeates every aspect of my life. I see our times as a great opportunity to evangelize through our words and actions.

I consider my greatest accomplishments to be the work I have done as a Catholic leader and professional. I am a former FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionary, a Tepeyac Leadership Initiative graduate, a Bible study leader, co-host of the “Catholic Leadership for Civil Society” podcast, and blogger on multiple Catholic leadership topics. Along with Cristofer Pereyra, I authored the book Catholic Leadership for Civil Society.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film and Media Production and a Minor in Business from Arizona State University. Although what I am most proud of from my time as a college student is rediscovering my Catholic faith and hearing God’s call to be His disciple and missionary.

I love to read, write, country dance, hike, and teach about essential oils. Above all else, my greatest joys are being married to the love of my life and being a mother.

Alright, before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
I love that you ask this question!

The best first thing you can do is to find and follow me on Instagram at @flowering.at.his.feet because it’s the best way to support me and to stay in the know about everything I’m doing.

Secondly, I’d invite you to purchase my book on Amazon by clicking here: catholicleadership.net

Lastly, there are several ways you can work and collaborate with me:
-Book me to speak at your event.
-Hire me to write for your blog, publication, etc.
-Collaborate with me to promote your brand/company/organization on social media.
-Hire me to do brand design for your brand, company, organization, personal social media, etc.

Thanks in advance for doing any of the above! I look forward to connecting!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.floweringathisfeet.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowering.at.his.feet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.monnin.8/
• Other: https://www.clubhouse.com/@emonnin?utm_medium=ch_profile&utm_campaign=z6RGJha1rdY_RT44ZvY3aA-262817

Image Credits
Morning Start Photos/Emma Lambros Billy Hardiman