Navigating paths and breaking barriers: Melissa Carr Rowe's empowering journey

In the world of leadership, where paths are often challenging and progress is hard-fought, Melissa Carr Rowe, Director of Partner Relations at Riipen, stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and empowerment. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Melissa shares her insights on investing in women, the unique perspectives they bring to leadership, and the strides made in cultivating a culture of progress at Riipen.

Melissa's professional journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Her first career endeavor was through service in the U.S. Army, where she quickly learned the values of loyalty, duty, teamwork, and integrity. From there, she seamlessly transitioned into leadership roles spanning public service, consulting, public affairs, and higher education. A testament to her unwavering determination, Melissa pursued her education while working full-time and raising a family. She is a proud first-generation college graduate, with a Bachelor's degree in Business, dual Master's Degrees in Education and Business Policy Studies, and an Advanced post-graduate certificate in Public Health. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree, Melissa envisions a world where education, career success, and happiness are achievable for anyone with intent and desire.

Reflecting on her career, Melissa identifies a pivotal moment—being denied a position she aspired for. Instead of succumbing to frustration, she turned it into an opportunity for growth. She emphasizes on removing the sting.

‍ “Take a dose of your own advice, seek to understand, and remove the sting of how you feel and use it to challenge yourself. When faced with roadblocks, don't settle where you've outgrown; instead, choose the path that aligns with your aspirations. It's never too late to evaluate, feel the emotions, seek understanding, and make cleaner decisions. 'No' is not the end; it's an opportunity for endless choices and continuous growth."

Fun facts: a powerlifting mom and a family of athletes

Beyond her professional endeavors, Melissa is a mother of five and, along with her husband, resides in rural Upstate New York. Her family, a cohort of competitive athletes, spans various sports, including football, baseball, wrestling, precision rifle, and track and field. Melissa herself has a storied history as an accomplished powerlifter and strength athlete, retiring with multiple world records and a well-earned trophy hanging proudly on her wall. Her favorite activity of all is supporting her family at their events.

To her younger self and aspiring professionals, Melissa offers sage advice: "Relax, take it in, keep catching the wind as it comes, adjust your sails as needed, and enjoy the journey." She emphasizes the importance of navigating uncertainties with adaptability and finding joy in the process.

Discussing the unique qualities women bring to leadership roles, Melissa highlights their perspective on balance. She talks about the need to prioritize personal needs by scheduling self-care just as rigorously as professional commitments. 

She shares a valuable piece of advice: "Treat yourself like a beautiful flower—fresh air, water, sunshine, and a nice seat by the window will do wonders."

Navigating stereotypes: From soldier to leader

In her early years as a soldier, Melissa faced gender stereotypes. Overcoming them required relying on a strong work ethic and gaining support from peers. Organizations, she believes, have a responsibility to create awareness, provide opportunities, and foster a culture where everyone can grow. Melissa actively empowers and uplifts her colleagues by celebrating success through positive reinforcement. By sharing her challenges and successes, she encourages others to embrace their own journeys, dispelling the myth of perfection among women leaders.

The power of "thank you" and dealing with difficulties

Melissa finds the greatest compliment in a simple and genuine "thank you." She believes it acknowledges one's positive impact on another's journey. Having dealt with difficult situations throughout her career, she emphasizes seeking first to understand, which often paves the way for resolution and growth.

Melissa acknowledges having received and delivered unexpected feedback. She underscores the importance of making time for conversations that build trust and strengthen relationships. Her military background taught her resilience and the ability to work through challenges instead of avoiding them.

‍“Almost always, there is someone in your corner; never underestimate that. You just have to figure out who it is, and charge towards it. You are valuable, you are talented. You do not have to accept being in an environment that sees you as less than that.”

A journey of agility and learning

While her military background initially shaped her approach, Melissa's management style evolved through intentional choices. Working with female leaders who valued collaboration and sought to understand individual perspectives influenced her preference for empowering her team.

Melissa's proudest achievement lies in her agility throughout her career. Balancing a working mom's responsibilities for five children while pursuing her education showcases her dedication. She values the support of like-minded leaders who have facilitated her journey and strives to pay it forward to her teams.

In closing, Melissa encourages women to recognize their value, skills, and talents. She emphasizes the importance of finding a setting that aligns with personal and professional goals. Melissa's story exemplifies the power of embracing challenges, seeking understanding, and constantly growing—a testament to the transformative impact of investing in women to accelerate progress.

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