Monica Sharma is Director of Strategic Projects and Initiatives. In this role she leads a team of project managers of key regranting initiatives that help to build antiracist, equitable, and inclusive communities and economies across the country. She also oversees a portfolio of projects that support state-based organizations working to protect and advance core safety net policies and programs.

Before joining CBPP, Monica was a manager at the Pew Charitable Trusts, where she worked on an initiative that assists state and local governments in implementing an evidence-based approach to human services programs. She provided strategic support and policy guidance to select states and oversaw the development of a community of practice among high-performing partner jurisdictions.

Prior to joining Pew, Monica managed and executed legislative research projects at the Texas Legislative Council and conducted policy analysis and program coordination at the Center for Public Policy Priorities, an independent public policy organization that is part of CBPP’s State Priorities Partnership.

Monica holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in economics and international studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.