Monique Farmer, APR, wasn’t a stranger to the art of communication. Her journey into public relations began with a deep-rooted passion for writing, which she cultivated as early as third grade. Teachers recognized her natural talent, which she continued to nurture over the years.
“I always found writing to be fun and challenging—a puzzle,” Farmer said. That love for words eventually led her to pursue a career that balanced creativity and strategy in public relations, a field where she could help organizations communicate effectively while honing her own talents.
Farmer’s company, Avant Solutions, has a mission to deliver impactful communication strategies. Farmer is inspiring to others because of her natural ability to push people outside of their comfort zones while guiding them toward their goals. Just as her teachers encouraged her early on, she does the same for those she works with, fostering a supportive, yet challenging environment. She is truly generous in pouring into the next generation of public relations professionals.
Farmer’s early journey into journalism laid the foundation for her career in public relations. Initially setting her sights on becoming a newspaper reporter, she shifted her focus during her sophomore year of college when she realized public relations would offer more versatility. “I was drawn to PR because it gave me an opportunity to work with different organizations,” she explained. That decision led her to study advertising and public relations at Midland University. However, the journey has seen its share of challenges.
One of the most significant milestones in her career was her role in crafting a communication campaign to pass a $410 million bond for Omaha Public Schools. This feat required Farmer to navigate the complexities of public communication while also managing the sensitive announcement of job cuts. “I had never worked on a bond before, so getting my footing and making the message simple for diverse audiences was key,” she recalled. The experience strengthened her ability to handle large-scale communication efforts and develop crisis communication strategies, something that became a cornerstone of her expertise.
In August 2019, Farmer founded Avant Solutions, a firm specializing in internal and external communication strategies and executive communication for nonprofits, government agencies, and small businesses. The firm also offered counsel in crisis communication, though Farmer emphasized the importance of proactive crisis preparedness for her clients. “I loved digesting national crises, studying their performances, and identifying gaps to ensure my clients were ready for anything,” she said.
Beyond her success in public relations, Farmer has also ventured into authorship. Her book, “Chart Your Path: A 9-Step Method to Getting Unstuck,” reflects her personal journey of self-discovery. “Writing this book was about learning more about my innermost desires and who I am as a person,” she reflected. The project allowed her to integrate her passion for writing with her PR expertise, giving her an opportunity to step into the spotlight—a rare occurrence for public relations professionals. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it has been a rewarding experience,” she said.
As Farmer continues to grow Avant Solutions, some exciting projects have emerged. In July 2024, she shared the stage with nine other speakers at Northwestern University. Her talk will air on Apple TV and Roku, which she hopes will open doors for future public speaking opportunities, including TEDx talks. “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to expand my speaking engagements,” she said.
In the meantime, Farmer remains committed to building strong communication strategies and taking on new clients at Avant Solutions.
To learn more, visit avantsolutions.org.
Note: the author is also a freelancer for Avant Solutions.
This article originally appeared in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
