Monifa Brinson-Mulraine was raised in the Bronx, New York— several blocks away from the legendary Yankee Stadium. She is the daughter of Calvin Brinson, a World War II veteran and Ernestine Brinson, a retired medical secretary.

At the age of sixteen, Monifa Brinson-Mulraine entered Manhattanville College, in Purchase, New York and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Immediately after graduation, she secured a position as an advocate with the Osborne Association.

As an advocate, she interviewed individuals involved in the criminal justice system and prepared extensive background reports for defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges to review. Advocating for indigent defendants provided her with firsthand knowledge about the intricacies of the criminal justice system and the relationship between poverty and unlawful behavior. Monifa Brinson-Mulraine was also employed for many years with the Jewish Board of Family and Children Services where she counseled children who were at high risk for psychiatric hospitalization.

Monifa Brinson-Mulraine continued her education at The City College of New York and obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology. She possesses years of teaching experience in higher education and currently is employed as a full-time Lecturer of Sociology at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.  As a lecturer, she has successfully developed innovative courses such as the Sociology of Race, Rap and Religion. She is the recipient of the EOF Outstanding Faculty Award 2009 and has served as the Chair of The Black History Month Committee. Monifa Brinson-Mulraine not only teaches full-time but she is also in the process of completing the doctoral program at The New School for Social Research in New York.  She performs research on religion and organized a community forum on African American Christian women who suffer with depression.

In October 2007, Monifa Brinson-Mulraine was licensed to preach and is an Associate Minister at Unity Baptist Tabernacle in Mount Vernon, NY, where her husband, Reverend Edward Mulraine is Pastor. “Minister Monifa” as she is affectionately called, is advisor to the women’s ministry and has been described by some as the “teacher-preacher” because her sermons are intended to edify worshippers and consist of a unique combination of theology and sociology.   

Monifa Brinson-Mulraine is the proud and dedicated mother of three marvelous children. She is both motivated and sustained by the biblical scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).