Dr. Monica Khan to Receive the 2020 Defender of Potential Award

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, we believe in the power of one-to-one mentoring relationships to create meaningful change among youth and communities.

Our 2020 Defender of Potential Award recipient, Dr. Monica Khan, is someone that embodies this belief. The Defender of Potential Award is a new award given to Bigs who have made substantial contributions to the community, in addition to being exceptional mentors.

Dr. Khan grew up in a small town in Central Illinois with her parents and two siblings. At age 14, she attended a residential magnet school called the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, where she graduated high school at age 16. From there, she completed her undergraduate studies with a degree in biological sciences at The University of Chicago and went on to graduate medical school from Rush University.

She moved to Atlanta in 2013 to train in emergency medicine. Currently, she is a Doctor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University Hospital Midtown and the Veterans Affairs Hospital, where she works on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. Also, she is an assistant professor at Emory and has been a Big Sister to Jahsata since 2013.

Her academic interests include teaching and research involving diversity and inclusion. In her spare time, Dr. Khan enjoys creative projects, volunteering, hiking, traveling, visiting theme parks, baking and reading.

We would like to thank Dr. Monica Khan for her contributions to our mission and communities throughout Metro Atlanta!

The Legacy Awards Gala is our biggest annual fundraising event where we honor leaders making a positive change in communities and industries alike. This year, our esteemed event will broadcast live on Saturday, September 12. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with cocktails, entertainment, networking and more!

Author: Amari Woods