5 Questions with Monica Sanders
Monica Sanders recently came to 乐播传媒入口 as the College鈥檚 inaugural social innovator in residence. In this role, Sanders will participate in a seven-week on-campus residency during which she will interact with 乐播传媒入口鈥檚 students, faculty, and staff, as well as with members of the wider community on a project meant to create lasting social impact. During her residency, Sanders will lead the Rural Internet Access Enhancement Initiative, which is focused on improving internet infrastructure in rural Iowa.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your family and where you grew up?
A: I grew up in New Orleans. It鈥檚 a city full of music, food, and stories 鈥 and it definitely shaped how I see the world and the role of community in creating change. My family is close-knit, and many of us are still deeply connected to the Gulf Coast region. We鈥檝e been through hurricane-related displacement and reconstruction together. Their advocacy work for our community is in large part what gave me a deep appreciation for resilience and mutual aid.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish with the Rural Internet Access Enhancement Initiative?
A: This initiative is focused on understanding what the digital divide means in rural areas. This work goes beyond accessing infrastructure 鈥 it鈥檚 about listening to communities, understanding their unique challenges, and co-developing solutions that empower residents to fully participate in education, work, and a civic life that is rapidly digitizing.
We鈥檙e combining data analytics, community inputs, and policy strategy to target the gaps being overlooked by or cut from national programs. We鈥檙e also integrating climate resilience and economic development into the design so that digital access supports long-term sustainability and opportunity. This is long-term work, but my hope is the seven weeks of the social innovation program will deliver early results and serve as a catalyst for the College and community to work together on these issues.
Q: What do you do for fun in your spare time?
A: My work often blurs the line between professional and personal passion 鈥 I'm deeply interested in climate justice, digital equity, and helping communities prepare for the future. Outside of work, I love writing, especially personal essays and creative nonfiction. I also love the outdoors, hiking, stargazing, open water swims (in points south).
Q: As the inaugural social innovator in residence, how do you hope to shape this role for those who will follow?
A: Being the first in a new role comes with both responsibility and possibility. I see this residency as a chance to build a foundation that combines rigorous academic inquiry with hands-on, community-centered innovation. I want to create a model that鈥檚 collaborative, accessible, and grounded in real-world impact 鈥 not just theory. My hope is to leave behind a blueprint that encourages future Social Innovators to bring their full selves to the work: their scholarship, lived experience, creativity, and purpose. Whatever they focus on, the role should evolve as a platform to amplify voices and catalyze meaningful change both on and off campus.
Q: What has your experience been like working with 乐播传媒入口ians so far?
A: It鈥檚 been energizing. The students are curious and motivated, and the faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive and collaborative. I have been most inspired by the level of commitment 乐播传媒入口 students have shown to this community and the people in it. There is a lot to be learn from the examples they are setting. I鈥檓 excited to be part of a community like 乐播传媒入口 that鈥檚 willing to ask hard questions and support students in becoming thoughtful, ethical changemakers.