MPA, Ph.D. (candidate)
Northeast Florida Community Action Agency
As a teenager, Melba was appointed to Mayor Teen Volunteers by former Mayor, Tommy Hazouri. In 1987, Melba earned both the Silver and Silver Leadership Awards. They were both presented by former Governor Martinez's wife at the governor's mansion in Tallahassee, Florida. In 1991, Melba was recognized by former president George Bush, Sr. when she earned both, the Gold and Gold Leadership Awards. This award was recognized by the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, The Air Force, and several national organizations. Melba earned the Chamber of Commerce's/NAACP Tomorrow's Leader Award. In similarity, other notable accomplishments include being selected by Tot's N' Teens Theatre, Inc. to play a flute solo in conjunction with a spiritual dance honoring Rosa Parks at an SCLC Convention.
From college to now, Melba has participated in many organizations and programs. For example, she represented FAMU as a Model UN team member. She re-organized Lambda Alpha Epsilon, FAMU's criminal justice association. Further, she was selected to participate in the Black Executive Exchange Program, FAMU's SCLC, FAMU's NAACP (secretary), Hatchet Pre-Law Society (secretary), Lambda Alpha Epsilon (president), legislative intern to former State Representative Willeye Dennis and press intern to the late Governor Lawton Chiles. In 1992, she enlisted in United States Army Reserve as a combat medic and served as a Non-Commissioned Officer. Additionally, she was a Young and Striving Mentor, peer counselor (represented the school at a convention for peer counselors), held several pageant titles. , including the prestigious Ms. Black Florida USA. As Miss Black Florida USA, she earned both the Miss Black Florida and National Miss Black USA's Community Service Awards. She was featured in Positive Black Images for her contribution to society and Cambridge Who's Who in executive leadership.
Currently, Melba is a professor at the University of Phoenix and manages NFCAA's Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Additionally, Melba is a motivational speaker, consultant, business developer, and professional development trainer. Melba has participated with the following organizations: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., World Affairs Council, American Society for Public Administrators, Girl Scouts USA (Lifetime Member), National Council of Negro Women (Lifetime Member), JCCI, Society for Psychology and the Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), American Cancer Society (Relay for Life), Professional Woman Network, and former corresponding secretary for Duval County's Juvenile Justice Council. . She published a book entitled, Voices of Soul. Likewise, Melba hosted a Christian radio talk show called Favor on Gospel 1400AM from 2006-2007. Recently, Melba was selected to participate in television personality, Iyanla Vanzant's, Spiritual Life Coaching Program.
Lastly, Melba is completing studies towards a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration. She earned Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University and Master of Science Administration in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Further, she has completed course work towards a Master of Divinity at Luther Rice University, Master of Business Administration at Webster University, and Juris Doctorate Studies at both Florida Coastal and Humphrey's Law Schools. Melba also graduated from Volunteer Jacksonville's Blueprint for Leadership and JCCI's Board of Director's Training Program. Melba has served on several Board of Directors as well as chaired several committees at local, state, and national levels.
