Monique was born April 29, 1979 to Samuel and Lilith Emdin in Takoma Park, MD. At the age of 2 she moved to Ibadan, Nigeria with her family where she attended Mary Hill Convent School. At 9, she returned to the US residing in Brooklyn, NY with her family. She was a graduate of Phillip Randolph High School in Manhattan, NY Class of 1996. Following high school Monique attended the University of Buff
alo. In 2002 Monique graduated from UB with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. In 2004, Monique returned to UB to continue her education; this time graduating with a Juris Doctor and MBA in May 2007. In May 2007, Monique began her career as a lawyer with Hiscock and Barclay LLP in Buffalo, NY. Since Monique was a young girl she was involved in youth out reach, adopting several international children through World Life Ministries International with her allowance. She was also a Sunday School teacher and a Board Member for Bethesda Community Development Corp where one of the major projects is Sara Minnie Badger Foster Care Agency. On March 8, 2008 she departed this life after a short battle with cancer. Not only was Eniola, Monique’s middle name literally, but figuratively as well… as she exemplified integrity, prosperity, honor, wealth in all things, and distinction. Before Monique’s passing, she and Eniola Sisters Founder, Chantele Thompson began developing a mentoring program similar to Eniola Sisters, but the plans were never realized. In 2008 Chantele Thompson recognized the need for girls programming at her church New Life World Harvest Restoration Center in the Commodore Perry Community in Buffalo, NY. After the loss of her dear friend, Chantele decided to start working with young ladies in the neighborhood and church, naming the program in Monique’s memory. The programs’ inception was in April 2009. Eniola Sisters use Monique’s birthday of April 29 as the program birthday as well. The original program met in the Commodore Perry Auditorium where “Sisterhood Meetings” were held to provide life skills instruction, character building, self esteem, spiritual enrichment, and opportunities to build lasting friendships. Eniola Sisters also participated in a variety of cultural and entertainment experiences. In November 2010, Eniola Sisters added the one to one mentoring component of the program. In 2011 Eniola Sisters was adopted by New Life Economic Community Development, a 501(c) 3 organization, and added the after-school program component. Purpose
Eniola Sisters Enrichment and Mentoring Program strives to improve the lives of girls and empower girls to be their best selves. Eniola Sisters achieves this by providing community and after-school group mentoring sessions as well as one to one mentoring sessions. Eniola Sisters Enrichment and Mentoring program provides girls with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to increase academic performance, improve self esteem and self concept, increase positive attitudes and behaviors in school, home and the community, develop and improve leadership and social skills, and increased ability to manage stress and self regulate. Eniola Sisters also encourages girls to move beyond stereotypical gender roles by exploring the disciplines of science and technology as well as encouraging girls to increase physical activity and participation in organized sports.
