Melinda Mack
Executive Director
New York Association of Training & Employment Professionals
Albany, NY USA
“Eventually, you will figure out authentically who you are. And when you do, embrace it and love it.”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
My parents divorced when I was very young and I grew up moving back and forth between my dad’s home in Buffalo, New York, and my mom’s home in the suburbs.
I was frustrated that there were so many great people in Buffalo who lacked the opportunities I received in the suburbs—I decided I wanted to help others find opportunity and fulfill their potential.
I spent three years as an accounting major before switching to urban and public policy—it meant I had to spend extra time in summer school to catch up, but I knew I wouldn’t be happy in accounting.
Throughout college, I sought out internships to help me gain experience and insight—I interned for Senator Schumer, the Chamber of Commerce, and an organization that helped individuals find work.
I went to graduate school and earned a master’s in public administration—during this time, I also worked full-time as an economic development analyst for the Albany County Executive’s Office.
After graduate school, I moved back to Buffalo and worked in public budgeting for a short time before moving to New York City where I worked in workforce development for the mayor’s office.
I then spent a few years working for the City University of New York (CUNY) focused on figuring out how to get more students into CUNY and into good paying jobs after graduation.
All of these experiences prepared me for my job now as executive director of the state’s workforce association, which is essentially all of New York’s education, job training, and employment services.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Urban and Public Policy
State University of New York at Buffalo
Urban and Public Policy
State University of New York at Buffalo
Graduate
Regional Planning
State University of New York at Albany
Regional Planning
State University of New York at Albany
Certification/License
Business Excellence, Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals
Columbia University
Business Excellence, Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals
Columbia University
Career
Executive Director
I push federal and state government to invest in human beings as part of our economic stability and recovery.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Government
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Find internships or externships to help you gain hands-on work experience. I was relentless about finding internships to help me forge my path. I interned for a senator, the Chamber of Commerce, and an organization that helped people find work. I was able to gain valuable insight into what I liked doing and what I didn't like doing. That way, I had a clearer path when I graduated. Internships can help you figure out what industries, company cultures, and positions you like and don't like.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Urban and Public Policy
Urban and Public Policy
Graduate
Regional Planning
Regional Planning
Certification/License
Business Excellence, Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals
Business Excellence, Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"You're thinking of going into nonprofit work? You might not even be able to pay your bills that way."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
Gender Discrimination
Imposter Syndrome
