Meet Dr. Monica Posey, president of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and a committed community volunteer. Monica has called Cincinnati home for over 40 years and holds several degrees, including a Doctor of Education from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School. She taught statistics at UC for many years and worked for AT&T before joining Cincinnati State, and held several positions before becoming president.

“I am motivated and inspired by the people I help, whether it is our 10,000+ student body or individuals that I tutor,” said Monica. “The Cincinnati State commencement each year is exciting and invigorating.”

Another person that inspires Monica is her husband, Rev. Dr. Michael J. Posey, who overcame many hurdles (including bile duct cancer,) earned five degrees, and continues to minister to the needs of others. In her own words, he taught her what it truly means to persevere. Her personal philosophy is defined by her faith in God, making family a priority, and always forgiving herself and others for failures.

A graduate of the Cincinnati Chamber’s 2010 Leadership Cincinnati class, Monica serves on the boards of GRAD Cincinnati, Cincinnati Works, and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. She has received many community accolades, including the Greater Cincinnati YWCA Career Women of Achievement.

“The legacy I want to leave is that I helped people and made a difference,” said Monica.

What life experiences has most influenced your personal mission and purpose?

Being selected as Interim Vice President of Academics at Cincinnati State was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The responsibility was immense, and the complexity of the role stretched me in ways I had never experienced before. I had spent years building my career — from my time at AT&T to teaching statistics at the University of Cincinnati — but stepping into executive leadership at Cincinnati State required a new level of vision, resilience, and courage. That season pushed me beyond my comfort zone and solidified my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives.

As a first-generation college graduate from a working-class family in Philadelphia, I understand firsthand what access to education can mean. That perspective shapes my commitment to strengthening institutions, expanding employer partnerships, and ensuring students have clear pathways to opportunity.

What motivates you to keep moving forward in your journey?

Gratitude and impact motivate me every day. I am deeply aware of how blessed I have been — earning degrees from Cornell University, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Cincinnati — opportunities that once felt far beyond my reach. Remembering where I started fuels my desire to create opportunities for others. I am also inspired by our students. Seeing more than 10,000 students work toward better futures, and celebrating them each year at commencement, is invigorating. Beyond the institution, I’m motivated by individual lives — whether tutoring, mentoring, or serving on boards throughout the region. When I see policies translate into real change for real people, it reminds me why perseverance matters.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I hope my legacy reflects a life dedicated to helping people and making a meaningful difference. Whether through leading Cincinnati State, mentoring students, serving on community boards, or supporting scholarships alongside my husband, I want to be remembered as someone who used her gifts to open doors for others. If the institutions I’ve led are stronger, if students have clearer pathways to success, and if individuals feel supported and empowered because of my work, then I will consider that a legacy well lived.

That legacy of expanding opportunity, strengthening institutions, and transforming lives through education and service is what makes  Dr. Monica Posey a 2026 We Are Making Black History honoree.