Monique Smith (33)
Faculty Affairs Manager, University of Pittsburgh Faculty Diversity & Development Office

Monique Smith has a favorite quote — and it’s one she tries to live by: Be the change you wish to see in the world. “I try to think of that in anything I do — in work, in volunteering, in faculty affairs.”

The mom of two, who previously worked for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Drug and Alcohol, joined the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of the Provost as a Faculty Affairs Manager in the Office of Faculty Diversity & Development at the beginning of 2021. She is excited to help diversify the university’s faculty and provide professional development for the current faculty.

“Particularly for students from underrepresented communities, I think it’s important for them to see people who look like them teaching them,” she says.

After being gifted a bottle of McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic wine, Smith earlier this year founded The Noir Co., a promotional company dedicated to highlighting the Black wine industry.

“I’m a true believer in supporting Black business and uplifting them,” she says. “My goal is to educate people on the Black wine industry and to support and promote Black-owned wine brands.”