fbpx

Alumni Spotlight | Monique Fergerson Brown ’90

 

What do you remember from your high school years at BE? 

I have so many wonderful memories of my time at BE!  John England Day was one of my favorite days.  It was a celebration full of Food, Fellowship, and Fun!!  BE generated a feeling of unity.  Unity came not only from wearing uniforms but from the spirit of togetherness that is shared in the hearts of anyone who attended Bishop England.

What impact did attending Bishop England have on your life?

Attending BE strengthened my Christian faith and academically prepared me to excel in college and law school.  I have a deeper value in the importance of a Catholic education.  It was imperative for us to have our children attend Catholic high schools.  I am proud to say our oldest daughter graduated from Bishop Kenny High School in Florida and our youngest daughter Nailah Brown ’23 is a junior at Bishop England High School.

Who influenced you the most while at BE?

My American Government teacher Mrs. Heath.  She was an excellent teacher and her class was so interesting I decided to major in Political Science in college.

Life after Bishop England? College/Graduate School?

After graduating BE, I attended the University of South Carolina (Columbia) for undergrad and law school where I received a BA in Political Science and a Juris Doctor degree.  Community involvement is part of my upbringing and has always been a value of mine.  I have served in various ways – through the church, school, work, or in the community.  My husband is a retired naval officer, but while he was on active duty we lived in various parts of the country.  In each community we lived in, I found ways to volunteer and support various local organizations and military families.  Currently, I am involved in several local boards, community, and professional organizations.  One reason I decided to become a lawyer is because service is at the heart of a legal career.

Describe a current day in the life of Monique Brown!

I am currently Senior Corporate Counsel and Privacy Officer at Benefitfocus, a technology company headquartered on Daniel Island.  A typical day is

  • Exercising
  • Working (currently from home)
    • Review my to-do-list
    • Respond to emails
    • Provide legal guidance to various business partners
    • Attend meetings (virtually or conference call)
    • Research and review laws and regulations
    • Network with legal colleagues
    • Create new to-do-list
  • Dinner time – it is a priority to eat dinner as a family.

What are the most difficult and rewarding aspects of your job?

Dealing with different personalities and managing various projects with competing deadlines.  Being able to assist others and provide valuable advice and creative solutions is rewarding. 

What would alumni be surprised to learn about you?

While in high school, my dream was to live in New York City.  As a military family, prior to relocating back to the Charleston area, we lived in Washington state, Alabama, Virginia, and most recently Florida.  I haven’t lived in New York yet, but I do enjoy visiting when I can.

Hobbies?

Reading & Tennis – I enjoy being part of a book club and learning to play tennis.

If you could give one piece of advice to current BE students, what would it be?

Success is leaving your comfort zone.  Don’t be afraid to follow your passion, take risks and step out on faith.  Remember Jeremiah 29:11 “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.”