MELISSA NELSON
PRESIDENT & CEO, UNITED WAY OF FLORIDA, TALLAHASSEE
United Way of Florida, the collaborative organization of Florida’s 28 local United Ways, facilitates mutual aid, education and capacity building for communities spanning all 67 counties in Florida. UWOF has raised nearly $8 million in disaster support over the past 20 years, with $4.5 million raised in the last three.
EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS)
FIRST JOB: The summer I turned 14, back when Amelia Island was known as the sleepy little town of Fernandina Beach, a new ice cream and sandwich shop opened. I scooped cones, constructed sundaes, waited tables and did lots of mopping.
DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I often think about writing novels instead of my everyday writing tasks of emails, memos and grant proposals.
MENTEE IMPACT: At a social event, a stay-at-home mom of four confided she wanted my job someday. Wishful thinking, she thought. The remark resonated. When a short-term position opened, I called. Ultimately, she joined UW permanently. Her confidence, abilities and insights grew — as did community impacts — which served her well when the Governor tapped her to fill an open County Commission seat. We still talk regularly about challenges, opportunities and the needs of Florida families.
SOMETHING SURPRISING: In 2018, when standing on my kitchen counter to reach upper cabinets, I lost my balance … crashing backwards on the tile floor. … After a trip to the ER by ambulance, the radiologist confirmed a broken neck. In the weeks and months ahead, I learned much about myself, my fears and my capacity to move forward. Also, short people shouldn’t stand on counters.
