GUEST SPEAKER: Monique C. McKinney
TOPIC: Ownership over Permission: Reclaiming Your Seat At The Table.
WHERE: Associated Bank: 10044 W. Florissant Ave St. Louis, MO 63136
WHEN: Thursday March 26, 2026 – 11:30AM-1:00PM CST
Monique C. McKinney is an accomplished HR consultant, St. Louis native, Business Leader, and advocate dedicated to fostering career success and empowerment for young women. As the founder and CEO of The MCM Group, LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Monique has harnessed over 25 years of expertise to deliver innovative talent management, diversity recruitment, and workforce strategies to corporate, nonprofit, and community sectors.
Monique’s commitment to breaking barriers in male-dominated industries and providing access to non-traditional career paths and living-wage opportunities reflects her passion for ensuring young women are equipped to thrive in today’s workforce. Through her work, she has created career readiness programs, mentorship initiatives, and leadership development workshops, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Her distinguished career spans influential roles at organizations such as Harris- Stowe State University, Rung For Women, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center, Boeing, and BJC Healthcare, as well as partnered with groups such as The Urban League Women’s Empowerment Business Center of St. Louis and AAIM Employer’s Association. A first-generation college student, graduate of Lindenwood University with a degree in Human Resource Management, a graduate of the CORO Women in Leadership Fellow Class ’67 in 2014 & alumni of the Greater STL Diverse Business Accelerator Fall of 2021. Monique combines academic rigor with practical expertise.
Ms. McKinney has inspired audiences at marquee events such as the NAACP St. Charles Chapter 2025 MLK Celebration keynote speaker & the Empowering Women Panel: “From the Bedroom to the Boardroom” in 2024, Lipstick & Legacies Women Empowerment Retreat, and TeachSTL’s “Put Me in the Game” Conference and much more. Her thought leadership on career pathways, financial independence, and workforce equity inspires audiences across the nation.
Monique is a proud member of several professional and community organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Society for Multicultural Professionals in Human Resources (SMPHR), and Forbes BLK. She also holds leadership roles in Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated the Eta Alpha Chapter, National Council of Negro Women Gateway Metropolitan Section and the St. Louis Moles. Additionally, she serves on influential boards such as the Webster University Library Advisory Board (as a founding member) and Cinema St. Louis (SLIFF).
Monique’s dedication extends to her community service, where she actively mentors’ young women and female entrepreneurs through organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis Women’s Leadership Circle and previously through Big Brother Big Sisters. Her achievements have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Alpha Zeta 2022 “Emerald” Business Month award, United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and the Illinois Association of Club Women Southern District “Reba Hill” Business Entrepreneur Award in 2025, highlighting her contributions to economic equity, education, and entrepreneurship.
Through her mentorship, advocacy, and professional leadership, Monique C. McKinney continues to inspire the next generation of women to embrace their dreams, overcome challenges, and achieve excellence.
Favorite quote: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table bring a folding chair.”
– Shirley Chisholm
Discussion Points:
- Starting businesses instead of waiting for promotions
- Owning expertise without over-credentialing
- Women charging what they’re worth
- Moving from employee mindset → owner mindset
- Allow AI to expand your creativity
