Women in Business

The Power of Local Leadership: A Conversation with Women in Politics

Speakers:

Karla Bigham, Washington County Commissioner


Commissioner Karla Bigham was elected to the Washington County Board of Commissioners in 2022. This is her second tenure on the County Board. She previously served on the Washington County Board of Commissioners from 2015 to 2018. 
Commissioner Bigham served five years in the Minnesota State Senate after being elected in February 2018 in a special election and re-elected in 2020. Commissioner Bigham served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2007 until 2011. From 2005 until 2007, Commissioner Bigham served on the Cottage Grove City Council. Prior to serving on the city council, she chaired the Cottage Grove Public Safety, Health, and Welfare Commission. Additionally, Commissioner Bigham was chair of the Cottage Grove Charter Commission and was a member of the Cottage Grove Environmental Commission. 

She is a member of the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Bigham is a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove.
Commissioner Bigham obtained a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Minnesota. She received her bachelor's degree as a paralegal, with minors in sociology and political science from Winona State University. She is a graduate of Park High School in Cottage Grove.

Commissioner Bigham enjoys golf, spends time in her garden, and plays with her two rescue dogs. She is a huge football fan and officiates high school football through the Minnesota State High School League. She and her husband, John, are residents of Cottage Grove.

Monique Garza, Realtor | City Council Member | Community Advocate | Chamber Board Member



Monique Garza is a trusted Realtor with Buy with Mo, powered by Keller Williams Premier Realty, and a proud two-term City Council Member in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. She was first appointed to the council by the mayor and city leadership, and was re-elected with nearly 15,000 votes—an overwhelming show of support from her community.
 
Monique also serves on the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is the founder of Movies with Mo, a free summer movie series that began in 2021. What started as a way to bring families together has grown into a beloved community tradition that connects youth, families, and local businesses in a fun and meaningful way.
 
In the real estate industry, Monique is recognized as a rising leader. She has earned several honors for her professional and civic impact, including the SPAR Rising Star Award, the Outstanding Citizen Award, and the Sole Entrepreneur of the Year from the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and the Government Affairs Committee for the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®, and represents Minnesota on both the Housing Opportunities Committee and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee with the National Association of REALTORS®.
 
Outside of her professional roles, Monique enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on her daughter in the local softball league, and volunteering throughout the community. She leads with heart, vision, and a deep love for the people she serves.

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