Alumni Human Ecology Alum Can Tell You How to Get to ‘Sesame Street’ Stories You May Like The Pros at the Botanic Gardens Teach You Wreath-Making Plants, Paleontology, and Pickleball Paddles: Student Groups in Photos Wynton Marsalis Returns to Campus, Continuing Cornell’s Decades-Long Jazz Tradition Monique Hall ’14 won an Emmy for writing for the beloved children’s show—one of many she has worked on By Melissa Newcomb “I was a kid who always loved stories,” says Monique Hall ’14. “I was engaged by anything that let me experience life through someone else’s eyes, and see experiences different from my own.” Today, Hall is a writer and producer of children’s TV shows—helping to create the same kind of thought-provoking entertainment for the current generation of kids. Hall’s screenwriting credits include episodes of PBS’s “Sesame Street” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” as well as Nickelodeon’s “Bubble Guppies” and “Butterbean’s Cafe.” Hanging out with Stu, a character on the show "Lyla in the Loop." She has also served as story editor on more than two dozen episodes of PBS’s “Lyla in the Loop,” an animated series that aims to make computer science more accessible to kids, through tales about a seven-year-old girl and her family who work together to solve everyday problems. “I love telling good stories for children that are meaningful and fun and don’t talk down to them, while teaching,” says Hall, who majored in human development in Human Ecology with minors in creative writing and film from Arts & Sciences. “It’s also a nice place to be in your brain. In the world of preschool shows, you aren’t left with any bad feelings, because everything gets a resolution.” In the world of preschool shows, you aren’t left with any bad feelings, because everything gets a resolution. In 2023, Hall and her “Sesame Street” colleagues won an Emmy for outstanding writing for a preschool or children’s live action program. It was Hall’s fifth Emmy nomination. Her work on the beloved PBS show includes the episode “Wash Day,” in which the character Gabrielle has her hair done by her aunt, who combs, shampoos, conditions, and detangles it for her. Celebrating with colleagues at the 2023 Emmys. Stories You May Like The Pros at the Botanic Gardens Teach You Wreath-Making Plants, Paleontology, and Pickleball Paddles: Student Groups in Photos “As a little Black girl, there’s a very specific way for a hair-washing routine,” says Hall. “It was something that I don’t think had been seen on TV in that way before, so it made it all the more special. I would have loved to see that when I was a kid, and it was so sweet to see kids and adults react to watching it.” The child of immigrants from Jamaica, Hall says she faced early expectations to choose a stable and conventional career, like medicine—but while taking a screenwriting class as a sophomore, she found her calling. Hall's work on 'Sesame Street' includes an episode in which the character Gabrielle has her hair washed. 'It was something that I don’t think had been seen on TV in that way before,' she says, 'so it made it all the more special.' After graduation, she worked in educational technology for a few years before getting a master’s in education from Harvard with a specialization in educational media. She also landed an internship at Boston’s PBS station, followed by a fellowship at Sesame Workshop, the NYC-based nonprofit behind “Sesame Street.” “The Sesame fellowship let me prove to myself this was the right path for me,” says Hall. “And to end up writing for ‘Sesame Street’ is so special. I grew up watching it. It’s a legendary show, and the characters are amazing.” Hall (second from right) with friends at Commencement. Having written for PBS since 2019, Hall is now slated to serve as head writer and executive producer for the forthcoming second season of "Lyla in the Loop." “I really try to do right by all of my characters,” she observes. “Kids should see themselves reflected in what they consume, and they should see themselves being loved and cared for.” Top: Hall in Big Bird's nest on the "Sesame Street" set. (All photos provided.) Published November 10, 2025 Comments Auntie 10 Nov, 2025 That’s my beautiful niece. Time to collect royalties for all the hair washing and combing. 😂 Monique I am eternally proud of you. Much love my dear. Reply Clifford Thomas 10 Nov, 2025 Nothing this young lady does surprises me. From a child she always exhausted that passion and confidence. Go ahead and make the kids happy my dear niece. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Alumni Celebrating Big Red Pride—in June, and All Year Long Students Student-Run Grocery Store Offers Fresh Food at Affordable Prices Students Slope Day 2025 in Photos