Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times, a Black Press newspaper on the Coast. Monique has won several national, provincial and local media awards for investigative journalism, best hard news story and best opinion pieces, to name a few. She sees the role of a reporter as a privilege and each person's story should be treated with respect. She made the life-changing move to Penticton with her husband, son and very old black lab in 2018. She is also a certified education assistant and worked full-time in a local elementary school, as well as a substitute teacher throughout SD67 before that. It had been a fulfilling role and reinforced her love for children. But, reporting is in her blood and she appreciates the opportunity to tell Penticton's stories. 'In my opinion, being a journalist is one of the most exciting jobs a person can have because we get to meet fascinating people, tell their stories, celebrate community successes, help bring issues to the forefront and give a voice to the unheard. And sometimes, if we are lucky, we get to help make a change for the better.' Monique is loving life in Penticton. Where else can you live where there is not one, but two gorgeous lakes, kilometres of public beaches and warm and swimmable water? It's also home to a vibrant arts community, a compassionate charity base, talented athletes and an exciting culinary scene. It's also home to the best wines and craft beer in the world. Not to mention, there is no rush hour here and you can get from lake to lake in 10 minutes, no matter what time of day. Why didn't I move here sooner?
