Monica Lakhwani

Dr. Monica Lakhwani is the first Language Access Coordinator for the Louisville Metro Government where she is responsible for improving translation and interpretation services, promoting access to those services, and ensuring that individuals with Limited English Proficiency or who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing can communicate effectively can participate in programs and receive services. Monica works with the team at the Office for Immigrant Affairs to support the inclusion of immigrant and refugee communities.

In addition to serving as a Humanities/English adjunct for Jefferson Community & Technical College, on the Programming Committee for Asia Institute-Crane House, and volunteer work, Monica previously served as the Multicultural Specialist with the Jefferson County Public School district facilitating DEI professional development certified and classified staff. She is a National Diversity Council Certified Professional (NDCCDP) with years of experience both in education and program development and a Fulbright scholar to the Philippines in 2022. Dr. Lakhwani holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in education from the University of Louisville, and a doctorate in leadership from Spalding University focusing on cross-cultural studies. Her interests lie in socio-cultural norms, refugee resettlement, and culturally diverse learners. A resident recipient of the University of Pittsburgh’s Transnational Dialogues in Afro-Latin America and Afro-Latinx Institute, she is on the board of the Kentucky Fulbright Chapter and a member of the National Association for Multicultural Education.

Dr. Lakhwani is the Publishing Liaison with Kentucky Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (KYTESOL) and continues to participate with the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana in hosting international hospitality for ambassadors. Born in India and raised in the United States, she enjoys traveling, meeting folx from all over the world, and learning about cultures through music, food, art, and film. She speaks English, Hindi, Sindhi, and elementary Spanish, and is learning Portuguese.