About
Meet Mo Drayton
She began her academic journey at South Carolina State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, grounding her in the study of people, behavior, and community needs. She later advanced her expertise with a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, equipping her with the policy knowledge and administrative skills to lead complex organizations and drive systems change.
For more than 20 years, Monifa served as a leader within the healthcare industry, serving in key roles such as hospital administration, Provider Services, address equity gaps, and align community health priorities with regional development. During her time there she received numerous awards for excellence in leadership, equity and quality. Her work has consistently bridged healthcare, equity and engagement, ensuring that communities are not only healthier but also more economically resilient.
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In 2019, she made history as the first Black woman to chair the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board within its 75-year history where she championed strategic growth, compliance with state regulation, workforce development and social responsibility.
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Her civic leadership extends to serving as Social Action Chair for Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, , where she mobilized members around pressing social justice issues and voter engagement. She is also a graduate and current program Director for the Congressman James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute, supporting leadership development and civic participation for emerging leaders across the nation
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Monifa’s political and civic expertise is rooted in hands-on campaign management. She has successfully managed and consulted for campaigns across County Commission, City Council, and School Board races, bringing data-driven strategy, coalition-building, and authentic community engagement to the forefront of electoral success. Her ability to tailor communications for diverse audiences—from press and elected officials to grassroots community members—has made her a trusted voice in both civic and corporate arena, resulting in a 100% win rate.
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With a proven record of merger leadership, board governance, campaign success, and community mobilization, Monifa is committed to building sustainable civic participation and ensuring that District 2 residents have a strong, transparent voice at the county level. Her career reflects not only a dedication to public service but also a vision for systems change that uplifts communities and creates lasting impact.​​