Monica Tierney: Empowering Young Minds Through Education, Activism, and Sustainability

Championing a solutionary mindset for children, promoting eco-consciousness, and advancing humane education

Monica Tierney is an educator, entrepreneur, and celebrated children’s book author who has dedicated her career to shaping young minds and nurturing compassionate, engaged citizens. Through her innovative humane education programs and eco-conscious business ventures, Monica exemplifies how passion and purpose can create lasting change.

A Mission to Cultivate Solutionary Thinkers

Monica’s journey as an educator is deeply rooted in the belief that children can be active participants in solving the world’s challenges. Backed by science showing that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs by the age of five—when their neural connections are made at an astonishing rate of one million per second—Monica has focused her work on these formative years. She leverages this critical period to instill empathy, critical thinking, and a “solutionary” mindset in her young learners.

As a certified humane educator, Monica designs unique curricula that inspire children to care about the well-being of animals, people, and the planet. Humane education, she emphasizes, fosters positive interpersonal relationships, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation. Monica believes that such practices can empower children to contribute meaningfully to a better world, even at an early age.

“Educational practices should empower young learners to build their futures and contribute to a better world,” Monica asserts, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of education.

Activating Advocacy Through Action

Monica is not only an educator but also an advocate for community engagement. She believes that children are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are capable of making an impact today. By connecting children with social causes, she helps them develop a sense of agency and responsibility. Her young students, inspired by their classroom experiences, often participate in community projects, reinforcing the power of collective action.

Pioneering Plastic-Free Play with Mio Reggio

Monica’s commitment to the environment took entrepreneurial shape with the founding of Mio Reggio, a regenerative company that provides natural, open-ended play materials for young learners. Mio Reggio challenges the plastic toy industry by offering eco-friendly alternatives made from sustainable materials like cork, which extends the life of trees rather than harming them.

Her products aim to address the growing awareness that most plastic toys are detrimental to children’s health, marine life, and the environment. Monica’s approach goes beyond sustainability, emphasizing a regenerative business model that benefits the planet.

The brand’s innovative products have earned widespread recognition. The Cork Kids that Care playset received the 2024 Top Toy of the Year Award, Top Eco-Friendly Product of the Year, and Creative Play of the Year from Creative Child. This set encourages children to reflect on the importance of caring for others and themselves.

Similarly, the Mio Reggio Green City Block set introduces children to age-appropriate urban sustainability concepts like solar panels, rooftop gardens, and composting. This product earned the 2021 Good Housekeeping Sustainable Innovation Award, while Mio Reggio was named one of “34 sustainable companies to absolutely know about” by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Founding National Green City Day

Further merging her passions for education and environmentalism, Monica founded National Green City Day, an annual observance on October 1st approved by the National Day Calendar. Officially proclaimed by Mayor Bowser in Washington, DC, the holiday celebrates cities’ efforts to combat climate change and foster sustainable urban development.

Monica envisions National Green City Day as a platform for city leaders to share eco-friendly ideas and accelerate innovative solutions in urban planning. The inaugural proclamation event, held at American University, marked a significant milestone in her advocacy for climate action.

A Legacy Rooted in Family Values

Monica attributes her environmental activism to her Sicilian grandparents, whose love for nature profoundly influenced her. Early memories of tending to gardens, growing apricot trees, and exploring Chesapeake Bay laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to the environment.

Her entrepreneurial spirit, on the other hand, was inspired by her mother, who built a successful childcare business and gave back to her community. Monica’s achievements as an educator and entrepreneur were recognized when she was named “Wise Woman of the Year” in 2023 by the National Italian Women Association.

Redefining Success Through Service

For Monica, success is about staying true to oneself while serving others. “Success to me is being authentic to who you are while also being of service to others,” she explains. Her passion for giving a voice to the voiceless—be it animals, the environment, or underserved communities—drives her work.

“I believe that truly impactful acts are those that plant the seeds for something bigger and more enduring,” Monica shares, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering change that lasts far beyond her own lifetime.

Connect with Monica Tierney

To follow Monica’s journey and learn more about her brand, visit @mioreggio on Instagram. Through her work as an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate, Monica Tierney continues to inspire a generation of compassionate, solution-driven changemakers ready to create a better world.