While performing the role of Grace Farrell in the musical, Annie, Monica's stage presence and powerful acting ability caught the attention of her high-school drama coach. Her performance later garnered her the Bank of America Fine Arts award and the Best Actress of the Year award during her senior year of high school.
While at Southern University of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Monica was cast in several local plays. Her performances in Baton Rouge kept her sharp until her return to Hollywood.Upon returning to Hollywood, Monica starred in several feature films.
The Luau, Palco and Hurst, "Flyin G Style" and Chatroom which is distributed by Artisan Home Entertainment and stars Brian Hooks, (star of the EVE television show, Beloved, and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me).
Her work in Chatroom as the feisty Fonzi showcased her commitment to the craft of acting. Monica starred as Monica Johnson in the Short Film, Shooter which ran on HBO with Cynda Williams of (Mo' Betta Blues and Introducing Dorothy Dandridge) and Shay Rountree of (Kingpin and Drumline).
Monica received a MFA from The American Film Institute in Producing in December of 2004. In addition to acting and producing, she is co-writing a feature film with a former Homicide staff writer that is based on a true story written about her family.
The Article Titled "A Pain That Won't Go Away" was on the front page of the LA Times in April of 2003. There are many great things to come from this talented filmmaker.
