Monica Fried was born in Panama City, Panama to Dr. George Yates and Audrey Derienbecker. She graduated from Newcomb College with her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and received a master’s degree in counseling from Tulane University. After graduation, Fried worked for the College of Arts and Sciences and Tulane Medical School. She married her husband, Gabe, in 1971, and they were married 49 years. In Dallas, TX, Fried worked for Parkland Hospital as a social worker and had an administrative position at the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. She worked for and held board positions in the League of Women Voters, the Dallas Women’s Foundation, Women’s Issues Network (WIN), the Dallas Opera Board, and The Summit. Fried was especially active in fighting against domestic violence, for reproductive choice, and promoting women for boards, commissions, and civic awards.