Monica Sparks is noted as one of the 50 Most Influential women in the West Michigan region. Monica is a mother, and cancer survivor. As a Rotarian and Servant Leader, Monica is a Kent County Commissioner, elected to govern a third term along side 20 other County Commissioners with a constituency of 642,000 people, and a budget of $455 million dollars. Her focus is on providing a quality of life for everyone, especially Children, Seniors, Veterans, and those with Unique Abilities or Individuals living with mental health issues. Named by Corp Magazine as the Diversity Business Leader of the Year, Monica is a Small Business Owner of a Spa and Wellness Center, she is a licensed State of Michigan Real Estate Broker and Continuing Education Instructor. She is also a Certified SCORE Business Mentor and Counselor. Monica serves locally on various boards and committees, including; as Chair of the Kent County Black Caucus; Statewide on the Michigan Association of Counties, and Nationally on the National Association of Counties Community Economic Development Steering Committee, Vice Chair of the Behavioral Health Committee, and as the first, Black President of Democrats for Life of America. As a champion for mental health, Monica is also the Founder of Community of Hearts, a federally recognized 501c3, non profit that helps to create Mental Health Advocates with training available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Monica Sparks lives by the mantra, “You cannot lead by pointing your finger, you must lead by moving your feet!”