VERONA, PA, November 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Monica L. Colbert has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Colbert currently serves as the Associate Director of Student Engagement and Outreach at Carnegie Mellon University, a role she began in 2024. In this capacity, she advocates for students and assists them in navigating the complexities of higher education, with a particular focus on supporting first-generation college students. Her responsibilities include building community within the diversity, equity and inclusion space, engaging in outreach by speaking with kindergarten through 12th-grade students and exposing underrepresented populations to opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Her expertise in problem-solving and advocacy has been instrumental in her ability to foster inclusive environments and empower students to achieve their academic and professional goals. She is recognized for her active involvement in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the First-Gen Forward Network, reflecting her commitment to advancing student success on a national scale.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Colbert held several leadership roles at Marymount Manhattan College. From 2012 to 2020, she was the director of the Center for Academic Support and Tutoring, where she managed a range of support programs designed to promote educational access. She oversaw the tutoring center, supervised all academic testing, and directed initiatives aimed at increasing access for underrepresented students, collaborating closely with the director of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program—a New York state initiative that provides pathways to college for students from marginalized communities. She also contributed to Jumpstart, an acclimation program that supports incoming students in strengthening college readiness skills. Her leadership in these areas was preceded by her tenure as interim director from 2010 to 2012 and as assistant director from 2008 to 2010, during which she developed and implemented strategies to enhance academic support services.

Ms. Colbert's academic career also includes 14 years as an adjunct professor at the City University of New York, where she taught courses that reflected her deep interest in African American narratives and American studies. Her dedication to teaching was evident as she simultaneously began professional tutoring and advanced through progressively responsible roles in academic support administration.

She started her professional journey as a product development chemist at Sherwin-Williams, where she worked in architectural coatings for three years. Although Ms. Colbert excelled in the sciences, her passion for education and advocacy ultimately guided her transition into academia.

In November 2025, Ms. Colbert achieved a significant milestone by being elected to serve as school board director of her local school board in Allegheny County. PA. This role will allow her to influence curriculum, policies and infrastructure. This accomplishment is a source of great pride for her, as it provides an opportunity to shape educational outcomes and support student success at the community level.

Ms. Colbert's academic background has been foundational to her career achievements. She earned a master's degree in American studies from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where her research focused on African American narratives. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and additional major in English literature from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her educational experiences have equipped her with strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, which she credits as key factors in her professional success.

Born in Pittsburgh, Ms. Colbert values her diverse educational upbringing, having attended both public and private schools. This experience shaped her understanding of the impact of education on equity and opportunity. In her personal life, she cherishes spending time with family, cooking, undertaking home projects, and being outdoors.

Looking ahead, Ms. Colbert is dedicated to improving the ranking of her Title 1 school and enhancing opportunities for her students. She aims to create more community partnerships and expand internship opportunities with local organizations. She envisions her students pursuing careers in fields such as robotics and gaming and is committed to connecting them with community partners to provide greater exposure and experience, helping them become competitive in their chosen industries.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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