Monica Gilfillan is a dynamic sales executive and advocate for transformative educational technology, bringing over 15 years of experience in the public K–12 sector. As Senior Account Executive at Imagine Learning, she plays a vital role in empowering educators by implementing innovative EdTech solutions that cater to diverse learning needs across the country. Monica’s approach centers on building trust and collaboration between business and education, ensuring every partnership is geared toward elevating student achievement and supporting educators.

Under her leadership, Monica has consistently driven impressive results, exceeding sales targets and earning numerous President’s Club Awards. Recognized as Arizona’s top-producing Education Technology representative, she has set new benchmarks in sales strategy, aligning market analysis with a customer-first approach that has led to remarkable customer satisfaction and retention rates. Her commitment to delivering tailored solutions has cemented her reputation as a trusted leader and advisor among K–12 educators and district administrators alike.

Monica’s commitment to educational advancement extends beyond her role at Imagine Learning. She is an active Board Member on the Arizona Business & Education Coalition (ABEC) Legislative Committee, where she works to bridge the gap between business leaders and educators to support K–12 success in Arizona. ABEC’s mission to advance Arizona’s educational system aligns closely with Monica’s own belief that a strong educational foundation is essential for future economic success. In this role, she advocates for public policies that foster an inclusive and innovative approach to education, reinforcing her influence on educational outcomes at the policy level.

Monica’s career also includes impactful roles with industry leaders like Pearson Education and McGraw Hill. At Pearson, she served as Sales Manager, overseeing operations across 21 territories and successfully driving business growth through strategic planning, team coaching, and new product launches. She was instrumental in launching Pearson Virtual Learning, an initiative that aligned with her vision of providing accessible, high-quality digital education solutions. Her role as a National Presenter and Educational Consultant for McGraw Hill allowed her to engage directly with educational leadership committees, where she advocated for the adoption of technology-driven learning resources.

In addition to her sales expertise, Monica’s academic credentials enrich her understanding of education and its challenges. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Dominican University and a Bachelor’s in English and History from Indiana University Bloomington, where she graduated with distinction. Her academic foundation, combined with extensive professional development in areas like Youth Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention, enables her to approach educational challenges with empathy and a solution-oriented mindset. Monica’s knowledge and training position her as a well-rounded leader who deeply understands the nuances of learning and the needs of students and educators.

A strong advocate for mentorship, Monica is a SHE Leads!™ Mentor with the Arizona Foundation for Women, where she works with high-potential emerging leaders. Her mentorship helps these leaders strengthen their professional skills and prepare for leadership roles. Monica’s commitment to uplifting others extends beyond her mentees; she regularly fosters connections within her professional network, often introducing individuals across organizations to facilitate collaborative solutions for education.

Monica’s dedication to community service is also evident in her work with StreetLightUSA, where she served as a volunteer mentor for young girls at risk or affected by child sex trafficking. Her role involved providing guidance and support during times of crisis, which reinforced her commitment to using her skills for the betterment of vulnerable populations. This dedication to social service underscores her holistic approach to professional life, where her work is driven by a sense of purpose and responsibility to her community.

With a leadership style marked by collaboration and radical hospitality, Monica is known for her ability to build strong relationships across sectors. She often brings together educators and partners from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities for new connections and encouraging a united approach to educational challenges. Her philosophy of “change happens at the speed of trust” is more than a motto; it’s a guiding principle that fuels her work and inspires those around her to pursue meaningful, collaborative change.

In her personal life, Monica balances her professional achievements with a commitment to wellness and community engagement. She volunteers as a Pet Partner for animal therapy, is a certified yoga instructor, and leads a nonfiction book club. These activities reflect her values of empathy, lifelong learning, and community-building. Monica’s unique blend of professional expertise, strategic insight, and dedication to service makes her a powerful force for positive change in education.

Character:

Monica is known for her integrity and a strong commitment to building trust-based relationships, which are the cornerstone of her approach to leadership and partnership. Her dedication to community service and mentorship further highlights her compassionate and purpose-driven character.

Knowledge:

With a background in Special Education and extensive experience in educational technology, Monica brings a deep understanding of both the educational sector and the specific needs of K–12 educators. Her knowledge of curriculum development, instructional design, and EdTech solutions enables her to provide meaningful, impactful support to her clients and colleagues.

Strategic:

Monica consistently achieves outstanding results by aligning business objectives with market needs and focusing on customer-centered strategies. Her ability to identify opportunities and drive revenue growth, coupled with her experience in launching new products, reflects her strong strategic acumen.

Communication:

A skilled communicator, Monica effectively bridges the business and educational sectors, fostering collaborative partnerships that are rooted in trust and shared goals. Her public speaking experience and commitment to mentorship illustrate her talent for connecting with diverse audiences and inspiring collective action.