Chief of Staff

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Monika Johnson is a strategic operations leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing inclusive contracting, compliance, and workforce development in public infrastructure. As Chief of Staff at Espousal Strategies, she brings a deep understanding of how to align internal systems, support project delivery, and expand opportunities for small and emerging businesses. 

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Monika’s career includes two decades at TriMet, Oregon’s largest transit agency, where she managed the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business, and Workforce programs. In this role, Monika was instrumental in spearheading the Mini Prime program, a recognized initiative still in use today. Her leadership also helped direct more than $130 million in contracts to DBE firms and small businesses during the construction of the Orange Line Light Rail project. She has since carried that work forward at Espousal Strategies, supporting major infrastructure efforts including the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, and TriMet’s 82nd Avenue Transit Project. 

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With a collaborative approach and practical problem-solving, Monika has helped build systems and compliance processes that center community benefit and long-term economic impact. She holds a A.A. in Communication from Portland Community College and certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research and the certified compliance administrator certification from the American Contract Compliance Association.