In a time when sustainability is no longer optional but essential, small business owners across Northern Colorado are seeking ways to adapt and thrive in an evolving economy. For this edition of Front Range Conversations, Bridge and Rhino had the privilege of interviewing Berenice El Gharamti, co-founder of Monarca Group, a woman-and-minority-owned consulting firm committed to helping businesses achieve sustainability through equity, community engagement, and practical action.
Berenice is a dynamic force in the sustainability space. Born and raised in Mexico, she holds a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia and has lived and conducted climate research in countries like Turkey, Italy, and Norway. With a wealth of global experience and a heart for local impact, Berenice has made a powerful mark in Northern Colorado. From supporting Latino-owned businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic to certifying over 90 businesses as sustainable in Longmont—including 42 Latino-owned—her work is a testament to what’s possible when inclusion and innovation go hand in hand.
The Path Into a Purpose-Driven Career in Sustainability
Berenice’s sustainability journey began with her background in chemical engineering and a deep curiosity about how to better use natural resources. While studying in Saudi Arabia, she focused her research on water productivity in agriculture—specifically, how native crops could be more efficiently grown in arid environments. This early work sparked a lifelong commitment to ensuring sustainability practices are both science-based and practical.
Her career took her to Norway, where she explored CO₂ tax mechanisms and climate regulation. But the pivotal moment came when she moved to the U.S. and recognized a significant gap in access: many sustainability programs were only reaching the “usual suspects”—not the frontline or marginalized communities most impacted by climate change.
“Especially since I can relate to the culture of the community and speak more than one language, I found my passion,” Berenice said. “I want my kids to live in a world with clean air and green spaces. That’s what drives me.”
Inside Monarca Group: Driving Impact Through Innovation and Community
Monarca Group was founded in March 2023 by Berenice and co-founder Jose Luis Ramos to bridge the gap between technical sustainability practices and the communities that need them most. The firm provides tailored Triple Bottom Line solutions—supporting people, profit, and the planet—for cities, counties, and small businesses.
Their breakthrough moment came when they secured a competitive contract with the City of Fort Collins to revamp the longstanding ClimateWise program into something more inclusive: NOCOBiz Connect. This bilingual, culturally relevant program helps businesses adopt sustainable practices while also focusing on social equity and economic opportunity.
“We helped 87 businesses join the program last year,” Berenice shared. “Twenty-four implemented zero waste strategies. It’s rewarding to see businesses, especially those previously excluded, now thriving as part of the climate solution.”
Monarca has expanded this program to Berthoud and Wellington, collaborating with architects, restaurants, and entrepreneurs alike. Their work doesn’t stop at the city level—they’re also engaging rural Colorado communities through a state partnership with the Energy Office, promoting electric vehicle (EV) awareness and adoption among disproportionately impacted populations.
Showcasing Impact: Transformative Projects and Bold Partnerships
Beyond Fort Collins, Monarca’s impact ripples through multiple communities:
- Latino Business Support During COVID-19: As a board member of the Latino Chamber of Commerce in Boulder County, Berenice helped hundreds of businesses survive the pandemic by translating health guidance, setting up digital tools, and securing financial aid.
- Longmont’s First Sustainable Business Program: Berenice led a groundbreaking initiative that certified 93 businesses, prioritizing accessibility and equity. Forty-two of those were Latino-owned.
- EV Equity Programs: In areas like Lamar, Pueblo, and Monte Vista, Monarca is actively educating residents about EV incentives and infrastructure—essential for reducing fuel costs in areas where people must travel long distances for work and services.
- Partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): Monarca is now ensuring federally funded sustainability solutions are informed by community input. “We’re collaborating with NREL to design and guide research that delivers meaningful impact for low-income communities,” Berenice explained. “Because sustainability has to be practical, not just theoretical.”
Their team is impressively multilingual and multicultural, including Turkish, Arabic, Italian, French, and even Korean collaborators. “When we don’t speak the language, we partner with local community members who do,” Berenice said. “It’s all about access.”
Guiding the Green Path: Advice for Emerging Sustainability Leaders
For business owners wondering where to start, Berenice offers simple and practical encouragement: focus on cost savings.
“We always begin with the bottom line,” she said. “By saving water or switching to LED lights, businesses reduce their utility bills. That means they might be able to hire a new employee or invest in better equipment.”
Monarca helps businesses take those first steps—no need to calculate greenhouse gas emissions right away. “Small actions add up. And we’re here to guide you through it all,” Berenice emphasized.
For those who have embraced sustainability but feel overwhelmed or under-resourced, Berenice offers a crucial reminder: progress is not always linear.
“Just because it feels slow doesn’t mean it’s not working. Maybe the change you made two years ago is starting to show ROI now. Every action matters, and you’re part of something bigger—a movement toward a livable future.”
She also encourages business leaders to lean into partnerships like Monarca Group and local platforms like NOCOBiz Connect: “You’re not alone. And together, we make the economy stronger through sustainability.”
Owning Your Identity While Leading Boldly
When asked, “As you lead the way in sustainability, what has been your greatest leadership challenge so far? What lesson did you learn that you could share with others?”, the answer was deeply human and profoundly insightful.
One of the greatest leadership challenges she faced was learning not to let identity be either a shield or a limitation. “I used to think, I’m the Latina who can make change,” she shared. “But over time, I realized—I am experienced, I am skilled, and being Latina is a plus, not my whole definition.” Rather than lean too heavily on identity, she now leads from her full professional capacity, integrating her cultural richness as a strength—not a barrier.
This evolution helped her claim her place at any table—not in spite of who she is, but because of all that she brings.
A Final Word
Our conversation with Berenice El Gharamti of Monarca Group left us inspired and energized. Her work exemplifies what happens when technical expertise meets cultural fluency and deep compassion for community. From downtown Fort Collins to rural Monte Vista, Monarca is proving that sustainability is not a luxury—it’s a path to resilience, equity, and thriving local economies.
To learn more about how your business can take meaningful steps toward sustainability—without sacrificing profitability—visit www.monarcagroupco.com.
And thank you again to Berenice for sharing her story and showing us the powerful intersection of environmental action, economic growth, and social justice.