Monica Bilak has been actively involved in community economic development projects for more than 10 years. She is currently the Economic Development Director for both the Paducah Artist Relocation Program and the Paducah Main Street Downtown Development Project. She works with both artists and small business owners to establish and develop business plans and strategies which will grow the community’s economy through new business and entrepreneurship.
Prior to her work in Paducah, Bilak spent three years in Kenya, East Africa, working as an educational specialist and consultant. Her role there included aiding women in business by helping them with micro loans and business plan development. Her work in Kenya equipped women to be successful, independent business owners.
Bilak returned to the United States in 2002 and continued to promote Kenyan businesses through the development of a Fair Trade import shop she established in Paducah, Ky. The shop sold products created by third world producers and artisans.
Bilak’s efforts are not limited to the business world. With her husband, Paul, she also co-founded Project AIDS Orphan, a non-profit humanitarian relief organization for Kenyan children who are in crisis as a result to the AIDS pandemic.
Through Project AIDS Orphan, the Bilaks help to provide food, clothing, education and health care for needy people in Kenya. The Bilaks have initiated three community development projects in Kenya through this program. Projects include the development of a working farm, clean and accessible water sources, and the design and building of a new health clinic coming to the area in the near future.
In addition to her work in Paducah and Kenya, Ms. Bilak has worked as an international educational consultant for in Casablanca, Morocco. Her extensive economic development knowledge and expertise, both domestically and internationally, allow her to serve as a valuable mentor to artists, entrepreneurs, and other small business owners.
Contact Information
Monica Bilak
Development Manager
321 Broadway
Paducah, KY 42001
270.444.8649
mbilak@ci.paducah.ky.us