2007 Honorees

Monique MehtaMonique Mehta
(b. 1973) 

Humanitarian/Political Activist



Monique Mehta graduated from Colgate University with a concentration in Sociology and Women’s Studies.  Working effectively as a grassroots organizer she helped women and their families deal with compelling problems that included immigrant issues, reproductive health, violence against women, human trafficking, homelessness and organizing low-wage workers.

Mehta was the Development Director with Safe Horizons, where she worked to secure funding for the organization to partner with the community to eliminate domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness.  In 2000, with the financial support of New Voices, a national leadership development program, Mehta became the first Development Director for Sakhi for South Asian Women where she worked to secure funding to help women address the problem of domestic violence in the South Asian population of New York City.

During Law School, Mehta began working as advocate with Andolan: Organizing Low-Wage Immigrant Workers.  She also served as the legal intern with Sanctuary for Families, UNIFEM, and the Immigrant Defense Project in New York State Defender's Office. In October 2006, she completed her Juris Doctorate at Brooklyn Law School

Mehta became the Executive Director of the Third Wave Foundation (TWF) in January 2005. Under her leadership, the Third Wave Foundation has clarified its mission and strategic plan, expanded its staff from 3 to 6 full-time positions, launched two new leadership development programs, and expanded TWF’s reproductive justice program.

As a member of Generation X, Mehta’s commitment and dedication testifies to the important work of young women moving history forward.