Awaken. Lead. Shine.
Book MelRo To Speak
What Happens to a Young Person Can Change What They Believe About Themselves.
Instability and adversity can shape how young people see themselves and what’s possible for their future.
And even the adults who care deeply about them don’t always know how to reach them. MelRo understands both sides.
As a child in foster care, MelRo lived in 23 different homes before aging out of the system and becoming a homeless teen mother. She went on to build a successful career as a professional model and speaker, using her voice and her story to uplift thousands of young people and adults facing adversity.
Today, she combines that lived experience with professional expertise in trauma-informed care, foster care and child welfare.
Through powerful storytelling and trauma-informed insight, her talks help youth rise and help adults truly understand, guide and support them.
Light. Courage. Healing.
That’s what MelRo calls activating the light.
Different Audiences.
One Powerful Message.
What happened to you doesn’t have to define who you become.
Youth & Schools
Helping young people understand that painful experiences don’t have to become their identity.
Educators & Youth-Serving Professionals
Helping educators, foster parents, caregivers and child-welfare professionals understand trauma, strengthen connection and better support the young people they serve.
Conferences & Events
Helping audiences at women’s conferences, nonprofit and community events see how adversity can become a source of resilience, healing and purpose.
She’s Lived It. And She’s Dedicated Her Life to Helping Others Rise From It.
MelRo inspires audiences in schools, youth organizations, CASA programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, child-welfare agencies and conferences across the country.
Her story and expertise have also been featured by CNN, NBC, The Today Show, OWN, TEDx, Good Day Columbus, and more. MelRo doesn’t simply tell audiences what she overcame. She helps them see what’s possible for themselves.
“It really meant a lot to hear from someone that used to be in the system that is actually successful… that gave me hope.”
— Young person after hearing MelRo speak
Love Notes
