Mireya E. Fouche Speaker • Researcher • Social Enterprise Leader
Reimagining Sustainability Through People-First Leadership

Mireya E. Fouche, MBA, ESG Certified is a speaker, researcher, and social enterprise leader whose work lives at the crossroads of sustainability, circular fashion, and community-centered impact. As Co-Founder of Monarch Thrift Shop, she challenges the growing tension between sustainability and accessibility — advocating for circular business models built on affordability, dignity, and people-first leadership.
Her perspective is shaped not by theory alone, but by lived experience, grassroots research, motherhood, and deep community engagement. Mireya brings warmth and rigor to every conversation, making complex systems feel human, urgent, and solvable.
"There is no lack of resources, only inequitable distribution."
Let's Connect!
Origin Story
From Lived Experience to Lasting Impact
One Heart One Soul
After experiencing homelessness herself as a college student in Los Angeles, Mireya founded One Heart One Soul — an arts-based nonprofit that grew from serving eight youth at a single site into citywide programming reaching unhoused youth and incarcerated women through arts, healing, and community-centered engagement.
Gannon Center Fellowship
As a fellow of the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership, Mireya conducted research exploring the relationship between youth homelessness, instability, and pathways into adult incarceration. This foundational work continues to shape her lens on sustainability, leadership, and equitable community impact.
Monarch Thrift Shop
Where Circular Economy Meets Community Access
As Co-Founder of Monarch Thrift Shop, Mireya operates at the forefront of a critical conversation: can sustainability be truly sustainable if it is not accessible? The thrift model offers a powerful answer — one that reduces waste, extends the life of goods, and keeps quality affordable for the communities that need it most.
Monarch Thrift Shop is not simply a retail operation. It is a living proof-of-concept for people-first circular business design — where environmental values and community dignity are not competing priorities, but inseparable ones.
Circular Model
Extending product life cycles through community commerce
Affordability First
Keeping sustainability within reach for every income level
Global Perspective
Sustainability Is a Global Conversation
Mireya's research and observations extend far beyond Chicago — drawing from circular systems, tourism, development, and community landscapes around the world.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Studying circular systems and sustainable urban design in one of the world's most progressive environmental economies — and asking what lessons can travel across economic contexts.
Mexico & The Caribbean
Observing how economic growth, tourism, and sustainability efforts reshape affordability, culture, and local access in communities across Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Chicago, Illinois
Rooted in Chicago's community fabric — from neighborhood thrift retail to university conversations — her local work reflects the tensions and possibilities present in cities across the country.
Recognition & Awards
Honored for Work That Centers People and Planet
Mireya's contributions to sustainability and equitable community impact have been recognized by institutions that share her commitment to justice-centered leadership. Her work bridges lived experience, academic rigor, and grassroots advocacy in ways that few voices in the sustainability space can offer.
Spirit of Laudato Si' Sustainability Award
Awarded in recognition of her commitment to environmental stewardship, social justice, and people-centered sustainability leadership.
Gannon Center for Women and Leadership Fellow
Selected fellowship for research exploring youth homelessness, instability, and pathways into adult incarceration through a community engagement lens.
Current Research & Writing
Exploring Sustainability, Circularity, and Equity
Mireya delves into critical topics shaping the future of sustainable fashion and equitable community development, drawing from both rigorous academic inquiry and practical social enterprise experience. Her ongoing research aims to bridge theoretical understanding with real-world impact.
Equity on the Rack: Governance Strategies for Inclusive Circular Fashion
Community-Centered Circularity: Reimagining Sustainability Beyond Profit
When Sustainability Becomes Exclusive: Mission Drift in Modern Resale
Textile Waste, Access, and the Human Side of Circular Systems
Circular Fashion & Community Equity: A Chicago-Based Case Study
Media & Visibility
Featured Voices, Broader Conversations
Mireya's insights have reached audiences across media, academia, and civic spaces — amplifying the conversation around equitable sustainability at every level.
WBEZ / NPR
Public radio coverage exploring the intersections of sustainability, community, and access.
WGN Spotlight Chicago
Television feature highlighting her social enterprise leadership and community-centered work.
Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago
Panel conversations on circular fashion, affordability, and the future of ethical retail.
Loyola University Chicago
Academic and community engagement forums exploring sustainability, equity, and social enterprise.
Speaking Engagements
Bringing People-First Perspectives to Every Stage
Mireya speaks on sustainability, circular fashion, equity, leadership, and community-centered impact — drawing on both peer-reviewed research and the depth of personal lived experience. Her presentations are designed not just to inform, but to challenge, inspire, and move audiences toward action.
Whether engaging a university classroom, a business conference, a community workshop, or a sustainability panel, Mireya brings thoughtful, grounded perspectives that cut through jargon and center the human stakes of environmental and social justice conversations.
Panels & Conferences
Sustainability, social enterprise, and circular economy forums
University & Academic Settings
Research-grounded conversations with faculty, students, and practitioners
Workshops & Community Events
Interactive, participatory sessions centered in lived experience
Work With Mireya
Let's Build a More Equitable, Sustainable Future — Together
Whether you're organizing a conference, leading a university program, or building a sustainability initiative, Mireya brings the insight, warmth, and urgency the conversation needs.
Book a Speaking Engagement
Panels, keynotes, workshops, and university conversations
Research & Collaboration
Community-centered research partnerships and advocacy projects
Get In Touch
Reach out to explore how Mireya's work can support your mission