Melinda Mack
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."
Career Roadmap
Melinda's work combines: Government, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Urban and Public Policy
State University of New York at Buffalo
Graduate Degree
Public Administration
State University of New York at Albany
Graduate Degree
Regional Planning
State University of New York at Albany
Certification
Business Excellence, Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals
Columbia University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Executive Director:
Bachelor's Degree: Urban and Public Policy
Graduate Degree: Public Administration
Graduate Degree: Regional Planning
Certification: Business Excellence, Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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.
6.
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.
7.
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.
8.
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.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
You're thinking of going into nonprofit work? You might not even be able to pay your bills that way.
How I responded:
I didn't experience much outright doubt from my family. However, just like everyone else's parents, mine of course wanted me to make enough money to be happy, pay my bills, and take care of my family. When they started thinking about me going into the nonprofit sector, they were concerned that I wouldn't be able to afford those things. Fortunately, I proved them wrong! I'm doing what I love while making enough to support myself and my family.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I didn't know much about college. I went to a state school because it was all I knew. At work, my peers had all gone to schools like Harvard and Yale. It was intimidating, but on the flip side, I was able to build a valuable network through my peers.
When I first started working in government, there weren't many ladies and certainly not a lot of young ladies. It was hard for people to take me seriously, which was very frustrating. I realized I'd just have to work hard and outlast those people.
I often struggle with imposter syndrome but when I sit back and really look at the positive impact we're making, I'm able to combat those negative feelings. Sometimes you just need to take a moment to really think about the differences you're making.
I'm currently going through cancer. It's hard but this diagnosis has helped me realize how valuable my support system is. I also came to terms that this is not the end of the world and I'm still capable of doing so many things!