Monica R. Wells is family and community program administrator at the Buffett Institute. She joined the Institute in 2022 as a program specialist, overseeing family and community facilitators as part of the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan. Wells came to the Institute from Nelson Mandela Elementary in Omaha, where she served as the family and scholar support specialist. Before that, she was a career talent advisor for Avenue Scholars. She also served as a school administrator manager in Council Bluffs Public Schools and as the summer program coordinator for the Urban League.  

Wells’ community involvement includes serving as board vice president of African Culture Connections, on the Diversity Committee for the Human Resource Association of the Midlands, and as a Glass Class representative for the Anti-Defamation League of Nebraska. In addition, she is a mentor with TeamMates, Sacred Heart Catholic Schools, and the College of Saint Mary. She also serves as a program committee member for The Collective for Hope, as a deacon at Church On Purpose, and as a community/academics relations committee member at Nelson Mandela Elementary. Wells earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Doane University and a bachelor’s degree in science from Midland University.