Monica Hardin made history in 1998, crowned the first Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen. At 19, she became Miss Kentucky in 2001, making her the first and only black woman to hold both titles in the Commonwealth for the Miss America Scholarship Organization. Monica gained national attention through her Miss America journey featured on the MTV documentary "True Life: I'm A Beauty Queen." Additionally, she is a contributing author to the book "Under the Crown."

As an emcee Monica’s helped to raise tens of millions of dollars for various causes. In 2005, she was personally awarded by President George W. Bush for her work with Kentucky Harvest and Creations Prison Music Ministry, and she achieved Honors with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Louisville.

Emmy Award winning News Anchor, Speaker, Model, Spokesperson, Radio Show Host, Accomplished Singer, Producer and Sound Engineer— Monica has a rich professional history. After 15 years in TV and social media, she’s rebranding and sharing her own journey through social media, speaking engagements and workshops.

She’s the ultimate girl mom, turning every night into a slumber party with her daughters Faith (12) and Eden (9). They love to dance, play and pull pranks on each other and their momma.

She gained GRIT at birth. By GRACE, she’s overcome her obstacles AND is a breast cancer survivor. Through it all, Monica has purposed to live each day in GRATITUDE.

Her mantra: Grit, Grace, Gratitude!