Fellowship in Focus: Monica Hopkins on Leadership, Learning, and Leaning Into Possibility

At Armstrong McGuire, we believe that investing in leaders strengthens the entire nonprofit ecosystem. The Mastermind program reflects that commitment, offering rising and established leaders the opportunity to grow, reflect, and build community.

We are delighted to highlight our recent Armstrong McGuire Fellow, Monica Hopkins, whose thoughtful approach to service, leadership, and organizational health embodies the values we strive to champion.

Meet the Fellow: Monica Hopkins

Monica serves as the Program Operations Lead at Mission Triangle, where she has spent the last 4.5 years stewarding the systems, processes, and programmatic rhythms that support both her team and the nonprofits they serve. With 13 years in the nonprofit sector, including formative pro bono service as a founding board member of a capacity-building organization, Monica brings deep experience and an unwavering commitment to strengthening under-resourced nonprofits.

That early board service, she shared, “deepened my commitment to strengthening under-resourced organizations and shaped how I approach the work I do today.”

A Leader Driven by Purpose

Monica’s leadership is rooted in community, clarity, and care.

“I enjoy being part of work that strengthens communities,” she says. “As a leader, I enjoy helping organizations clarify their mission, build strong internal structures, and nurture teams that feel equipped and supported.”

For Monica, leadership is as much about cultivating others as it is about stewarding an organization’s vision. Knowing that her work helps amplify the impact of mission-critical organizations continues to inspire her and shape the posture she brings to her role.

Growth Through Community: The Mastermind Experience

Participating in the PMA Nonprofit Leadership Mastermind program offered Monica a transformative space to stretch, reflect, and connect.

“Professional development is important at every stage of the leadership journey, but this opportunity has been especially meaningful,” she reflects. “Connecting with nonprofit leaders across the state provided fresh perspective, encouragement, and accountability.”

The broad network and deep conversations helped her see leadership in a new light, not simply a role to hold but a posture to embody. “There are universal leadership principles no matter your organization’s size,” Monica shared. “This experience brought many of those to life in ways that will continue to influence my work wherever I serve.”

Key Takeaways: Think Bigger, Lead Bravely

One of Monica’s biggest takeaways from the fellowship was the encouragement to expand her sense of possibility.

“My biggest takeaway has been the encouragement to think bigger, both in what I can contribute and what is possible within our sector,” she says.

She emphasized the significance of Armstrong McGuire’s investment in her development as a powerful demonstration of our commitment to equipping leaders who serve their communities with excellence.

Monica carries forward a renewed sense of clarity and courage, inspired in part by the words of Amanda Gorman: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Through peer coaching, self-reflection, and rich weekly conversations, she leaves the Mastermind cohort with greater confidence and a strengthened commitment to lead boldly.

Her Encouragement to Future Fellows

Monica’s advice to those considering the program is simple—and enthusiastic:
“Go for it! If you’re ready to stretch, grow, and connect with a thoughtful and intentional community of leaders, the Mastermind program will meet you there.”

Please join us in celebrating Monica Hopkins and the bright leadership future she continues to build.