Melissa Meade has over 30 years experience with a very diverse career path.  She recently opened “Moving Through Life: Counseling and Dance/Movement Therapy,” a private practice on Dayton Blvd with a mission to help people through move through life’s ups and downs (www.MovingThroughLifeChatt.com).  Additionally, Melissa has approximately 20 years of broad technical and leadership experience working for TVA in Nuclear Power.   She has held management and leadership roles throughout the organization. Additionally, as part of Thinking Media, Melissa was an integral part in the development, marketing, and support of educational and workforce development software, enabling numerous individuals to obtain the skills necessary to obtain meaningful work, and high school students to graduate with skills necessary to succeed in their careers.  

Occupation: Counselor and Dance/Movement Therapist, at Moving Through Life, (423) 521-5802, a newly opened private practice on Dayton Blvd.  I am excited to be the first Dance/Movement Therapist in Chattanooga. Formerly Senior Manager and engineer for TVA Nuclear.

College/University Attended: MS, Mental Health Counseling from Capella University; Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) from Pratt University; BS, Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Leadership

Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a leader?

A: I love being able to help others succeed.  As a leader at TVA, I mentored several people and was very involved with the Women in Nuclear and Women Empowered organizations. In my current role, I have the unique ability of using my 30+ year career combined with my counseling skills to help others succeed on a more personal, individual level. I’m very excited about this opportunity.

Q: What advice do you have for women aspiring to be leaders in their field?

A: Speak up and don’t hesitate to make your voice heard. Build relationships with people in positions that can teach you, support you, and advocate for you.

Q: Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? 

A: My dad, Tom Dietrich, had a tremendous impact on me as a leader. All of my life, he told me that I was a leader and encouraged me to excel. Despite the fact that he grew up in a culture where women didn’t work outside the home, he was always my cheerleader, proud that I was good in math, excited when I went to college for engineering and even more excited when I graduated and got a job with TVA. When I decided to change careers in mid-life, he was just as proud. He shared my hope that I could help others. He was by my side and continuously my supporter throughout life.

CWLI

Q: Approximately how many years have you been involved with CWLI and in what committees do you participate?

A: I have been a member for 10 years. I was a member of the 2016 Women Mentoring Women’s class.  

Q: What strides do you think members can take to make more of a difference in women’s leadership issues in the local community?

A: Continue to network and build relationships within their organizations and with other women. Speak out against bias and help others understand the limitations that women and minorities face. Support candidates that promote women’s issues and get involved in the political process.

Q: How would you best describe the benefit found in joining this organization?

A: CWLI provides a unique ability for networking and education.  CWLI’s high quality programs address subjects not available through other avenues. Additionally, CWLI provides opportunities to build a supportive network of career women which helps develop confidence and open doors.