Inspiring Conversations with Moniqe Young-Lewis of MOMENTUM Operations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Moniqe Young-Lewis.

Hi Moniqe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins with family and friends, faith as the center, and is continuing to evolve with passion and intention.

I was an Air Force kid who moved up and down the East coast. I always felt Georgia was home though. My elementary years were spent in Warner Robins & Macon, which was perfect since my maternal roots are there in middle Georgia. I grew up believing in the power and value of community, whether through family, church, or my military-connected neighbors.

That mindset carried me onto the basketball court from middle school through college when our family moved to D.C./Maryland. The “DMV area” became my second home. This, too, is fitting since my Father is a D.C. native and my folks were always nearby then as well. I became a Division I Women’s Basketball scholar-athlete at Coppin State University, my HBCU, in Baltimore, MD. Basketball gave me discipline, leadership, and a relentless work ethic. It also opened my eyes to what’s possible when people believe in you. And the resilience required when that belief isn’t always there.

After college, I realized my purpose wasn’t just to be “in the game”, but to help change it—especially for women and young athletes who deserve visibility and opportunity. That led me into the world of sports, community relations, and social impact work.

Over time, I discovered that my real gift is helping people and organizations move from idea to execution. So I stepped into entrepreneurship and launched MOMENTUM Operations, where I could support purpose-driven brands, nonprofits, and leaders in building scalable systems, partnerships, and strategy.

I like to say entrepreneurship is my sport now. I’m still leading teams and projects, still pushing for greatness, and still chasing impact. Just in a different arena. Today, I’m a multi-hyphenate creator, consultant, community builder, and speaker. I build spaces where people can show up authentically and grow together.

Everything I’ve done and everything that’s coming next is driven by purpose, fueled by faith, and rooted in the belief that momentum builds clarity. My story is still being written, and I’m committed to making every chapter count.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. But I’ve learned that purpose doesn’t usually come with shortcuts.

As an athlete, I had structure: practices, coaches, teammates, goals that were already defined. After my second, (mind you) career-ending right ACL injury during my senior year of college (the first was my left ACL, just after my high school senior season), I had to rebuild my identity and figure out who I was without the jersey. That transition was challenging. I knew I had the drive and the leadership skills, but I had to learn how and where to apply them in a world that didn’t come with a playbook.

Early in my career, I worked in spaces where women — especially young, Black, and Queer women — weren’t always fully seen or fully heard. That pushed me to advocate for myself, to create my own lanes, and to choose alignment over acceptance.

Then entrepreneurship brings its own obstacles! Navigating uncertainty, betting on myself, and learning how to build a business from scratch while still serving others isn’t for the faint at heart. There have been seasons of doubt, figuring out funding, and moments where I questioned whether I was moving in the right direction. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to trust the timing. I’m a competitor by nature, so I want to win! But I’ve realized that not every breakthrough looks like a highlight reel. Sometimes the growth happens quietly, behind the scenes.

The heaviest challenge, by far, has been personal loss. Two years ago, my Mom passed away shortly after a surgery to remove cancer. That moment rewrote everything for me. I was angry before I cried. I was questioning before I prayed. I was hurting while I was building and yet, somehow, I still feel held by faith and surrounded by community.

Grief surfaces in waves still. Launching entrepreneurship while navigating emotional, professional, and financial transitions simultaneously is difficult. But every challenge has built more resilience, more clarity, and more confidence in my purpose.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MOMENTUM Operations?
MOMENTUM Operations is my consulting firm, and we help mission-driven leaders and organizations turn vision into action. I specialize in operational strategy, revenue partnerships, and community engagement. These are the pieces that make purpose sustainable and scalable.

I’m known for being the person who can come in, see the gaps, and then build the structure and relationships needed to move things forward. I help founders, nonprofits, sports organizations, and creative entrepreneurs launch and/or enhance initiatives, develop revenue pathways, and activate community in meaningful ways.

What sets me apart is the intersection I operate in: sports, social impact, and community-building. I don’t just consult on strategy either. I build ecosystems that support people, amplify culture, and drive growth. I believe business becomes more powerful when it’s rooted in purpose and belonging.

Beyond consulting, I’m passionate about creating moments and movements:
• Meeting of the Minds is a collaborative co-working and creative community experience that I co-lead; It’s designed for entrepreneurs, leaders, and change makers to connect, learn, and grow together.

• The Shero Plan is a nonprofit giving circle I co-founded to elevate and invest in Black girls and Women in sports, helping build confidence, access, and leadership pathways.

• Magic Moments Photo Booth & Events is a joy-centered venture I co-own with my wife where we create memorable experiences that bring people together.

What I’m most proud of is that everything under my brand ladder connects back to the same mission:
helping people move with purpose, build community, and unlock their potential.

As I step into 2026, I’m entering a season of visibility and expansion. I intend to share my work more boldly, tell the stories behind the impact, and open more doors for the communities and leaders I serve. So if you’re building something that matters, something rooted in impact, I’m committed to helping you not only dream bigger, but execute with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is to start where you are and move with purpose. Even if you don’t have every detail figured out yet. We often think confidence comes first, but the truth is: clarity and confidence are built in the reps. You find your voice by using it. You build momentum by taking that first step.

I also wish someone told me earlier that you don’t have to chase every lane. You can create your own. Alignment matters. Protect your peace, protect your purpose, and surround yourself with people who practice both.

And one more thing: give yourself grace. Entrepreneurship, leadership, growth — none of it is linear. There will be wins and lessons, seasons of doubt and seasons of abundance. What matters most is consistency. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep betting on yourself. The moment you start moving, everything begins to shift in your favor. Momentum builds clarity. And every step counts.

Pricing:

• Spark of Joy- 2 hr event starting at $299
• Core Memory Experience- 4hr event starting at $399
• Ultimate Celebration- 6 hr event starting at $599

Contact Info:

• Website: www.magicmomentsphotobooths.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/magic_momentspb
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/molew
• Other: https://linktr.ee/momentum.operations

Image Credits
Jessica Whitley Photography (Personal Photo, purple sweater) KK Hansbrough (Additional #2, Atlanta Dream hat) REEL DEAL KHALIL PRODUCTIONS LLC (Additional #3, speaking in pink shirt)<br>