Monique Ware
Monique Ware
Executive Director of Campus Financial Aid Operations
Ivy Tech Community College
MASFAA
Meet Monique Ware, 2024-25 Diversity Leadership Program Class.
Monique took the plunge into financial aid as a student worker, and that early exposure ignited a passion for helping students navigate the complexities of financial aid. Driven by her own curiosity to understand the process better, she felt compelled to find her place in an ever-evolving field.
She acknowledges that administering financial aid is not for the faint of heart but finds purpose in overcoming challenges with her students. “When you’re helping a student through their most vulnerable time and see them later walk across the stage…It is powerful.” Monique said.
That powerful feeling is the catalyst behind Monique’s commitment to staying up-to-date in the rapidly transforming world of financial aid. Combining her extensive knowledge and a tailored approach, Monique effectively guides her students and team through the often-complex journey of funding their education.
“It’s really special to watch students finish their journey and celebrate with their family and friends.” Monique said. “It is the ultimate reminder of why we do what we do.”
Learn more about Monique in the brief Q&A below.
1. How did you get your start in financial aid?
At the end of my junior year, a full-time position opened in the financial aid office during my senior year, and I jumped at the opportunity. Fast forward a few years, and when they first launched the Diversity Leadership Program, I applied but didn’t get in. Encouraged by colleagues, I devoted more time to strengthening my regional and state involvement, then applied again – and here I am!
2. What have been some of the most significant milestones in your financial aid career, and how have they shaped your perspective on the profession?
Helping students through SAP appeals and financial aid hurdles—especially when they’re most vulnerable — has been incredibly meaningful.
As challenging as some situations can be, the moments that stand out — the ones that keep me in financial aid — are the success stories. Watching a student go from uncertain to confident and celebrating graduation makes it all worth it.
3. How have you seen diversity in higher education change since you began your career?
I began my career working with adult learners during the 2008 recession, seeing professionals return to school to re-skill. Later, at a community college, I worked with a mix of recent high school graduates, career changers, and first-generation students — many from immigrant backgrounds. These experiences broadened my perspective, reinforcing that every student’s journey is unique.
4. What’s a challenge within financial aid that you have overcome that you're proud of?
Navigating emergency funding like CARES and HEERF during COVID was daunting. There was little guidance, so I attended every NASFAA webinar possible. Our campus created support programs — food pantries, laptop loaner programs, and Wi-Fi hotspots — many of which still exist today. It was tough, but it strengthened my skills and ability to support students.
5. What advice do you have for those in financial aid?
Give yourself grace and understand that you won’t learn everything at once — there’s a learning curve. When we hire someone new to financial aid, I always tell them it takes more than a year to grasp everything. There are many facets, rules, and regulations to learn, and it takes time to understand everything.
This isn’t the job where you go through two weeks of training and are set. You start with the basics — maybe learning how to process a FAFSA — and then build from there. So, I always remind new staff to be patient with themselves. You won’t have all the answers in the first year, but over time, you’ll pick up more and more.
Don’t get discouraged in the first month or two — keep pushing through. It does get easier.
6. What do you do when you're not working?
I coach track and field with an emphasis on the long jump. I coached at the collegiate level for a few years, but I am currently coaching at a local high school. In Indiana, we only have the long jump at the high school level, so that’s where my focus has been. I love coaching high school students; I’ve even had a few kids attend state. Once spring hits and track season starts, I enjoy volunteering my time — it’s a true passion of mine.
Outside of coaching, I love spending time with friends and family. I’m getting married in 2025 and I’m looking forward to it because it’ll bring everyone together, even those I don’t see often.