Monica Mims, a proud graduate of Operation Fresh Start (OFS) in 1999, has forged an impressive career as a Marketing Professional, dedicating over a decade to American Family Insurance and currently contributing her expertise to Alliant Energy’s External Communications team.
Monica's connection to OFS is deeply personal; both her twin sister and older sister participated in the program. After facing challenges during high school, she recognized that OFS could provide the support she needed.
"I didn’t fit into a traditional school setting,” Monica reflected. "High school was an incredibly difficult time for me."
However, everything changed when she joined OFS.
"For the first time, I was surrounded by adults who genuinely cared, understood, and related to my struggles," she said.
A key figure in her journey was Jim Sanders, an OFS leader who was a pivotal mentor. Monica credits him and the team of site supervisors, classroom instructors, tutors, and fellow participants with providing the guidance she desperately needed during tough times.
"Having this personal relationship and communication with Jim Sanders made a world of difference," she noted.
One of Monica's most cherished memories from her time at OFS is her experience at the UW-Arboretum, where she participated in Earth Day activities, planted trees, and helped build a boardwalk over a marsh.
"It was my introduction to Earth Day," she recalled. "Since then, I've made it a priority to engage in Earth Day activities every year."
Today, Monica not only excels in her professional career but also gives back to her community as the President of the Board of Directors for YWCA Madison. With her artwork and community involvement, Monica applies many of the valuable skills she honed at OFS, demonstrating her commitment to empowerment and community service.
"Caring about people, understanding the diversity in us all, and wanting to be a resource—I learned a lot of that from OFS," Monica said. "It was a holistic experience that led to everything I do today."
Upcoming Art Gallery
Monica’s dedication to uplifting others is also reflected in her artistic work. She is preparing for her second solo art gallery show, which will be hosted at the Goodman Community Center in October.
"My artwork is about seeing people," Monica said. "It’s an expression of my understanding of certain groups of people."
Her pieces combine acrylic paint on canvas and mixed media, incorporating found objects she discovers in nature or daily life.
"I find shiny things on the ground all the time. When I’m in nature, I find a leaf that’s the exact color I want to mimic. It’s my appreciation for people and things around me."
Monica’s journey as an artist started as a personal outlet.
"I started drawing and painting at a really young age, but art was seen as a luxury in my family," she said.
During the pandemic, she began publicly sharing her artwork for the first time, posting 3x3-inch canvases on Facebook. She was surprised at how many people wanted to buy her artwork.
"It blew my mind that someone would give me $400 for something I painted," she said.
Monica’s gallery, featuring new and past works, will be on display throughout October, with a special celebration on October 4. Her unique collage pieces, often suspended by fishing wire inside custom-built frames, are a testament to her creativity and resilience.
"I go through the bin of misfit wood at Home Depot to build my frames, and that’s what I love most," she said. “I learned those skills at OFS that I still use today as an artist.”
As an exemplary community leader and successful artist, Monica’s journey is a powerful model of perseverance and the lasting impact OFS's support and mentorship have on the community.