25 Women for 2024: Monique Akanbi helps others 'grow and flourish'

A native of Miami, Monique Akanbi came to Tallahassee in 2011 and has made it home ever since. “I love the sense of community and family, the ability to build such a strong network and village, and the resources that are here,” she says.

Ironically, it is her creation of that environment for others that has led to her being named as one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know.

As the oldest of eight children, Akanbi comes naturally to leadership and mentorship, so her role as Director of Membership Initiatives with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) is perfectly suited for her giving spirit. “I love seeing people grow and flourish, being able to connect with people personally and professionally, and be part of their growth and development,” she says. “I love giving back to other HR professionals and work in an area that I am passionate about.”

Akanbi has been an active SHRM Chapter leader serving in various roles, including Chapter President and District Director with HR Florida, and she serves as a Master Examiner and Mentor with the Sterling Council Board of Examiners, visiting organizations throughout Florida and Georgia across all industries to assess their leadership system and organizational performance through the National Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence model.

As a high-energy problem solver, Akanbi has a passion for service and assisting others. She brings this value to her role as a board member for Elder Care of the Big Bend.

“Growing up in Miami, I loved spending time with my elders, just soaking up all that wisdom,” she said. “I lived with my mom and my grandparents and had a strong connection with my grandmothers.” Her children experienced the same when their grandmother lived with them. “She was the recipient of some of the benefits of Elder Care. When the opportunity came for me to give back, it was a no-brainer.”

Akanbi also served on the board of Junior Achievement and on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Tallahassee Chamber. “I’m the type of person who has a hard time saying no,” she laughs, “so when there is an opportunity to give back and add value, I do it!”

She finds Tallahassee an easy place to do just that. Arriving in Tallahassee mid-career, she appreciates the hospitality and inclusion she was met with professionally and personally. “I can’t think of anyone I have met in Tallahassee that was not willing to share connections or provide resources that I wouldn't have had access to as a newcomer.”

She is the mother of two teenagers and a bonus daughter, which keep her busy. “I come from large families where we rallied and supported each other no matter what, and family really is the most important thing to me.” You can likely find her in the kitchen trying new recipes or out at a festival in town.

Akanbi will no doubt leave a legacy of humanity, connection, and compassion. “No matter what walk of life you come from, at the core of who we are, we’re human with more similarities than differences,” she says. “There is always a lesson, always something we can learn from each other.”

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women: Monique Akanbi gives back, from Elder Care to teens