Meet monique liston

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monique Liston. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Monique, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
“… can’t be a pessimist. Because I’m alive. To be a pessimist means that you have agreed that human life is an academic matter. So I’m forced to be an optimist I am forced to believe that we can survive whatever we must survive.” – James Baldwin, 1963

My optimism is an act of defiance. I am a Black woman living joyfully in anti-Black world. My optimism is a survival mechanism that reflects my commitment to Black people across the diaspora being well on their own terms despite the ongoing attempts of this white supremacist world to destroy and dehumanize them. My optimism is an inherited gift from my ancestors , the ones who fought, the ones who loved, the ones who cried, the ones who dared to survive. If I owe my livelihood to them, I can only honor their legacy by being optimistic around my own future. My optimism doesn’t deny the harsh realities of an anti-Black world but rather refuses to be defined by them.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Meet me, Monique Inez Liston, Ph.D. – a visionary thought partner, dynamic facilitator, astute evaluator, and fearless leader. My mission is to infuse Afro-futurist values into every facet of my work, igniting transformative change within teams, organizations, and community leaders.

Grounded in the belief that the futures of Black people are integral to social justice, I champion emergence and abolition as pathways to liberatory practices. I channel my passion into action as the founder, Chief Strategist, and Joyful Militant at UBUNTU Research and Evaluation.

My leadership has propelled my undisciplined team of independent researchers and evaluators to remarkable heights. Together, we’ve secured millions in contracts, captivated audiences at global conferences, and contributed groundbreaking insights to evaluation, higher education, and Black Studies literature.

My trailblazing efforts have garnered well-deserved recognition, including prestigious accolades such as the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Diversity in Business Community Engagement Award, the Campaign for Black Male Achievement Respect Award, and the YWCA of Southeastern Wisconsin Eliminating Racism Award. Not to mention, my organization’s repeated nominations for the Shepherd Express’s Best Place to Work for Social Justice.

My academic journey began in Washinton, DXC, with degrees from Howard University, the University of Delaware, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, complemented by a Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in globetrotting, savoring culinary delights, indulging in creative play with Legos, and immersing myself in the wonder of animated television.

Though my work is rooted in dismantling white supremacist ideologies and fortifying the resilience of Black-led organizations and communities, my spirit radiates with boundless energy and enthusiasm for life’s vibrant tapestry.

In a world thirsting for change-makers, I stand as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future defined by equity, liberation, and joy.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Engaging Black Studies as a Student at Howard University. Black studies is an interdisciplinary field of academic inquiry that examines people of African descent’s historical, cultural, social, and political experiences. It encompasses the study of the global African diaspora, including the impact of slavery, colonization, and racism on Black communities worldwide. Through various lenses such as history, literature, sociology, anthropology, and art, Black studies seeks to understand the complexities of Black identity, resistance movements, and contributions to global society. It is a dynamic and evolving field that analyzes past injustices and struggles and seeks to empower and uplift Black voices, fostering critical thinking and social change.

Becoming an Afrofuturist Evaluator.
Afrofuturist Evaluation uses systematic processes that assess merit, worth, function, or significance by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting evidence while radically imagining all Black people dignified and flourishing in the future.
Afrofuturist Evaluative Thinking is critical thinking applied in the context of evaluation, motivated by an attitude of curiosity and a belief in the value of evidence, that involves identifying assumptions, posing thoughtful questions, pursuing deeper understanding through reflection and perspective taking, and informing decisions in preparation for action while radically imagining all Black people dignified and flourishing in the future.

Becoming an Entrepreneur in an AntiBlack world.
Being a Black entrepreneur in a world that’s biased against Black people means facing obstacles that others might not encounter. It involves dealing with stereotypes that make getting funding or opportunities harder. Despite these challenges, being a Black entrepreneur means pushing forward with determination and using your unique experiences to your advantage. It’s about creating your own opportunities and supporting others like you to do the same. It’s about succeeding for yourself and breaking down barriers for those who come after you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As a woman-led evaluation organization based in the Midwest, our commitment to uplifting Black-led nonprofit organizations is rooted in our own lived experiences within the community. Located at the heart of the country, we understand the unique challenges faced by Black communities in this region, from historical inequities to present-day struggles for resources and recognition. Our team of women leaders brings a diverse range of expertise and perspectives, ensuring that our approach is both comprehensive and inclusive. We recognize the intersectionality of race and gender and are dedicated to centering the voices of Black women and other marginalized groups in our work. Through our partnerships with Black-led nonprofits, we aim to provide not only strategic guidance and evaluation support but also a platform for community empowerment and advocacy. Our goal is to foster resilience and innovation within the Midwest’s Black community, driving positive change that reverberates far beyond our region’s borders.

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