Suggestions
Monique Tula
Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Coalition
Professional Background
Monique Tula is a highly respected leader in the field of public health and social advocacy, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Coalition, a vital organization dedicated to improving the health and dignity of individuals and communities affected by drug use. Under her dynamic leadership, the Coalition works tirelessly to advance harm reduction policies, practices, and programs aimed at mitigating the significant adverse effects of drug use, such as overdose, HIV, hepatitis C, addiction, and the challenges associated with incarceration. Tula passionately believes that social inequality and injustice exacerbate drug-related harms and stifle the voices of the most vulnerable communities, motivating her commitment to uphold every individual’s right to health and well-being. She is a strong advocate for ensuring that marginalized voices contribute to the public policy dialogue, reinforcing the notion that those most impacted by these issues are crucial in shaping effective solutions.
Prior to her impactful role at the Harm Reduction Coalition, Tula served as the Vice President of Programs at AIDS United. In this capacity, she oversaw all grant-making and capacity building initiatives aimed at strengthening the response to HIV and reducing its impact across communities. She played a pivotal role in developing and managing innovative HIV prevention programs, providing expert technical assistance in strategic planning and organizational development that not only reflects her extensive expertise but also showcases her commitment to fostering collaborative efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In her tenure at AIDS United, Monique Tula also directed the Access to Care initiative and took charge of capacity building activities, where she spearheaded the launch of the capacity-building assistance program known as Getting to Zero. This significant initiative, funded through a substantial five-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to enhance community capacity and effectiveness in addressing the ongoing HIV epidemic.
Monique's diverse professional history is marked by her keen insight into the nuances of public health, harm reduction, and community engagement. She has previously held several key positions, including Vice President of Program Planning and Development at the AIDS Action Committee and Director of HIV Prevention and Education at Cambridge Cares About AIDS, where she further honed her skills in program development and community outreach.
Education and Achievements
Monique Tula's educational background is equally impressive, providing her with a solid foundation in non-profit management and public health. She holds a Master's Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership and Management from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University, a program that has equipped her with advanced skills in leadership and organizational management specific to the non-profit sector. Her undergraduate degree is in Community Planning with a concentration in Non-Profit Management from the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she began to cultivate her passion for community service and social equity.
In addition, Tula is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Management at St. Joseph's University, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. This ongoing education highlights her dedication to improving the efficacy of non-profit organizations in addressing pressing social issues and enhancing community well-being.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Monique Tula has made significant contributions to the fields of harm reduction and HIV advocacy. Her work is characterized by a profound commitment to integrating the perspectives and experiences of individuals living with and affected by HIV into the design and implementation of services and policies. She is recognized for her role in championing harm reduction strategies that not only aim to address the health needs of individuals but also seek to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate stigma and discrimination.
Tula's leadership at the Harm Reduction Coalition has resulted in the implementation of numerous initiatives that promote comprehensive harm reduction approaches—acknowledging the complex realities of drug use while prioritizing the health and rights of affected individuals. Her vision and expertise position her as a thought leader within public health discourse, impacting how communities engage with drug use and health management on a national scale.
In recognition of her unfaltering commitment to public health and community advocacy, Monique Tula has emerged as a key figure in shaping conversations around harm reduction and the health needs of marginalized groups. Her achievements exemplify a professional dedication not only to the betterment of individual lives but also to the broader push for social justice and equity within health systems.
tags=[