Melinda Leland

Melinda Leland

What is your role at UWSWVA, and how long have you been a part of the team?

“I am the Director of Youth Success and I will have been with United Way for three years in August.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of the job is being able to connect to local businesses in Southwest Virginia as well as our school systems. Before I came to United Way, I worked for the community college system and the local k-12 system. While at Virginia Highlands Community College, I was also connected to businesses as well as economic development partners. I love that I've been able to build on those relationships and stay connected to all of those entities.”

What does a typical day look like in your position?

“It is different every day. Usually, my day consists of working on reports and budget for funders ensuring that my department meets goals and objectives. I also connect daily with other department directors and staff members about upcoming events. I make an effort to read about our communities and our school systems and connect with them and/or participate in their events as often as I can.”

What is your personal motivation?

“I am an educator at heart. Not just in the teaching capacity but also in the field of career navigation. I get the greatest pleasure when I am able to help a person see their potential, navigate their way, and accomplish a life or work goal. Because of my work and life experiences in southwest Virginia, I have been blessed to make lots of great connections and to fill my “toolbox” with many resources.”

Favorite event/program at UWSWVA?

“My favorite so far has been the Ignite Careers Expo and the Ignite Internships. Both events take a whole lot of planning and a whole lot of resources but lead to wonderful results of future workforce experiencing and understanding what life is all about and how to get to their career.”

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

“My favorite hobby is to spend time at the lake with my family (our kids and grandkids) and friends. My husband and I purchased a houseboat several years ago and set out on our first DIY (with some help) project and that has been a fun journey. I also love working outside and gardening.”

What is a fun or unique fact about you?

“Probably one thing that most people may not know is that my nickname is “Winnie” after Winnie the Pooh.”

Tell me about your favorite day at work in your current position you’ve ever had.

“Every day is a fun day for me! Maybe my first day of work was my favorite because I was so excited to find and connect to United Way and become part of this team. ”

Do you have a quote or mantra that you always look to that is meaningful to your work here at UWSWVA?

“Well, my life mantra is “never stop learning”

What was your very first job and how do you use a lesson you learned in that job still today?

“My first job out of college was as a merchandising manager for JC Penney in Roanoke. That's where I really affirmed my love for teaching, training, and mentoring. I think I fell in love with teaching through learning excellent customer service and training my employees to do the same.”