Born and raised in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, Melanie is deeply committed to the success of her community’s youth. Melanie earned her Bachelor’s in English from Johnson C. Smith University in 2013 and a Master’s in Curriculum Development and Instruction from Strayer University in 2018. After undergrad, she embarked on a 13-year journey with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As a former English 9-12 teacher, Facilitator, and Learning Coach, Melanie strives to create welcoming and supportive spaces where every student thrives. Melanie is passionate about being a nurturing advocate for aspiring young people and helping them navigate their next steps. In her free time, you’ll find Melanie dancing, singing (enthusiastically, but not perfectly) karaoke, or lost in the pages of a captivating biography.