onique Barashango is a multi-talented producer/ songwriter, health advocate and performing artist. She has dedicated her life to improving the mental , physical, and spiritual well being of youth and the global community. While working as a substitute in various schools, she established an inspirational, empowerment resource to positively nurture the talents and self-esteem of troubled youth, called ViZion Dance. As a result of her tireless commitment to the community, she has been profiled on CNN's Impact Your World, WSB-TV's People 2 People, Good Day Atlanta as well as various other national and international tv and print media outlets. Now a "broadway worthy" dance and theatrical ensemble (ages 8-Adult), ViZion has gone on to receive numerous honors such as "America's Best Inspirational Dance Crew" and was recognized as One of the Top Ten Dance Ministries in America (by Dance Ministry Magazine) for 3 consecutive years, appeared on the internationally syndicated Gospel Superfest and at the Global and Humanitarian World Summit, works frequently as ambassadors to the King Center and is home of the first hip hop gospel dance crew to grace the stage of Harlem's world famous Apollo theater! Members have gone on to appear on Disney , Nickelodeon, MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew"and much more! As ViZion began to impact the community internationally, Monique saw a need to provide a global platform for talented urban youth to be able to express themselves in front of both peers and established music/tv industry artists as well as develop their social and physical skills. As a result, she established "Blaze the Floor-National Dance Battle and Tour" in which some of the most respected street dancers and crews battle in a positive and inspirational atmosphere, while learning to uplift and empower one another as they strive to grow and become better artists. As a certified personal trainer, holistic nutritionist , and a Pilates and African Dance instructor, Monique also hosts various health and fitness workshops ("Sole2Soul") during the event and in an effort to evoke positive social change, has world renown community leaders and artists discuss social issues with the youth. As a managing team member of the international Peace Syndicate project, she has joined forces with Grammy and Emmy award winning producers to combat bullying through music and dance. She also served as supervisor of Dance2Fitness Camps during which she presented at the Tavis Smiley Road to Health Tour and has produced and appeared in various fitness videos under the "Fitness with ViZion" series.

A graduate of Spelman College (Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences/Biology) and a former Captain in the United States Air Force, Monique was the youngest President of the Dover Air Force Base African American Heritage Committee, appeared on tv as an Air Force spokesperson, wrote newspaper articles and produced community events and musicals featuring base personnel, greatly uplifting the morale of the troops! She also orchestrated free monthly dinners for the young airmen and their families and was the Math/ Science director for the Dr. Betty Shabazz Academy for Girls (sponsored by her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta) . Her commitment to community service led to her being presented the Major General Archer L. Durham Award for community service (presented to her by the Asst. Secretary to the Air Force). This honor is awarded to the African American with the most community service at Dover Air Force Base. After her military career, she returned to her Alma Mater, Spelman College, to join the staff as the Biology Lab Manager for several years and then went on to be Children's Program Director at Dance411 Studios (Atlanta) as well as founder/director of Bloc South Talent Agency's Nyota Kwa Bloc Children's African Dance Ensemble.

A passionate actress, script writer, singer and drama coach, Monique has appeared in films such as "The Gospel", "Motives" and "Drumline" as well as the stage play, "The History of African American Music: Past and Present" which she wrote and co-produced. Some of her students have gone on to be featured in various lauded productions such as Broadway's "The Lion King" and movie, "Joyful Noise". Moreover, she has sung with Opera great Jessye Norman, the national anthem with Natalie Cole at the 1993 Superbowl and the Olympic theme song with Celine Dione at the Opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympic Games.

As the proud wife of a Morehouse man and mother of 4, Monique has and will continue to dedicate her life to inspiring her family and others to lead a purpose driven life ,"Mind, Body and Soul"!