Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Fulton.
Hi Monica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Panama, attending DODDS schools alongside Canal Zone families, celebrating Thanksgiving in the tropics and straddling two cultures before coming to the United States to study at Trinity University. After college, I made Houston my home, a city that has shaped so much of my personal and community life.
I began my professional career with Pace Consulting, where I discovered a passion for recruiting and helping people find meaningful careers. I now focus much of my energy on mentoring and supporting high school and college students. Helping people navigate transitions and see their potential has been deeply meaningful work.
My husband, Colin, and I spent seven years in London before returning back to Houston to raise our family. Our children, Emma and Aidan became the center of our world, and their school community opened the door to lasting relationships and volunteer opportunities that continue to play a big part of my life today. After Colin’s passing, Emma and Aidan have been my anchor and greatest source of purpose and joy. Their resilience and growth inspire me every day, and our family remains deeply connected to the values of service and compassion that Colin believed in so strongly.
I was invited to continue Colin’s work and serve on the board of SEARCH Homeless Services, where I had already co-founded Friends of HTT with Amy Pierce, and work with PowerUp4HTT, which engages high school students in volunteer service supporting SEARCH’s preschool for unhoused children. I also serve on the boards of pARTnerSchools, an organization that brings music education and links students of different backgrounds through music, Texas Center for the Missing, the sole provider for AMBER and Silver Alerts I Texas, whose vital work offers hope to families in crisis in the region, and The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency which provides evidence-based health education programming throughout Houston.
This year, I am honored to receive the Resilient Heart Award from The Women’s Fund for embodying resilience and supporting others through care, compassion, and advocacy.
At Petal Power, Emma and I have served in various leadership capacities and Aidan is a steadfast volunteer for more than a decade, helping repurpose event florals to bring beauty and encouragement to senior living facilities, shelters, and community spaces. These small acts of care remind me that service, whether large or small, can create meaningful connections and moments of hope.
One fun fact, Whole Foods contacted Petal Power not too long ago that they had an overstock and our crew got to pass out about 3,800 long stemmed roses all around the city, to our policeman and fireman and nursing homes. It was lot of joy and smiles all around, and just incredible to get the feedback from our student volunteers.
I am also inspired by the ways art and shared experiences bring people together and create understanding across differences. Fine arts education and our family’s deep involvement in music and opera reflect my belief that connection, creativity, and compassion are essential to a thriving community.
Service, connection and advocacy are so empowering. I encourage everyone to find ways to get involved. Houston has such a thriving service oriented community it’s not hard to find something to spark that passion for serving.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No path is straight!! But consistent effort makes an incredible difference.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I guess you could say I am professional volunteer. Serving on the board of some incredible non profits, mentoring students, and making a difference in the community. I guess my superpower is my ability to be a connector.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Having grown up in Panama, I was lucky to spend a lot of my childhood weekends spent at Taboga Island. No cars on the island we had a lot freedom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://petalpowercharity.com
- Instagram: @petalpowerhtx
