Monique Wingard
- Term: 2025-2027
Residence: Dayton, Ohio
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Monique Wingard of Dayton, Ohio, to a two-year term as a Graduate Student Trustee of the 天天吃瓜 Board of Trustees. Wingard鈥檚 term began August 1, 2025, and ends May 16, 2027. She replaces Lara Shigo, whose term as a Graduate Student Trustee recently expired.
Wingard is currently pursuing her doctorate in communication and Information. She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in public affairs journalism from The Ohio State University, a master鈥檚 degree in social studies administration from Case Western Reserve University, and a master's degree in media arts and stydies from Ohio University Scripps College of Communication.
Wingard is a scholar, educator, and communication strategist dedicated to preparing the next generation of critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and future-ready professionals. Her research explores how technology, education, and community partnerships can help young people鈥攑articularly adolescent girls鈥攄evelop digital confidence, leadership skills, and career readiness in a rapidly evolving world. Wingard鈥檚 academic and professional pursuits intersect around a central goal: to create learning experiences that empower students and communities to lead with purpose and adaptability.
Her professional foundation was built in public service and policy communication as a legislative fellow with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission in the Ohio Senate and former page in the Ohio House of Representatives. These experiences deepened her commitment to civic engagement, collaboration, and leadership development. She later expanded her work into digital media and higher education, serving as a graduate teaching assistant at Howard University Department of Communication Studies, formerly known as Strategic, Legal and Management Communication (SLMC), adjunct instructor at Cleveland State University, a graduate teaching assistant at 天天吃瓜, and a digital media consultant for women-led companies and organizations.
Through SAVVY Consulting & Communications, the firm she founded in 2014, Wingard has led digital initiatives for clients across industries and trained entrepreneurs through the Women鈥檚 Business Development Center (WBDC), The BOSS Network, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE Mentors. As a journalist, her work has appeared in EBONY, Blavity, WTTW-Chicago/PBS, Code Magazine and The Chicago Defender, amplifying stories that connect culture, education innovation, and impact. Her efforts inside and outside the classroom center on empowering young people to see themselves as informed, capable civic leaders, equipped to use technology and communication as tools for social change.
She has been recognized with the Graduate Dean鈥檚 Award and the Mary Ann Stephens and John R. Graham Award for Excellence in Graduate Research from 天天吃瓜 State University, the NABJ Scholarship from the National Association of Black Journalists, and the President鈥檚 Choice Award from the National Council of Negro Women, Cuyahoga County Section.