Melanie McQueen

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Teach for America Corps Member Melanie McQueen

In 2023, while pursuing my MBA at Elmhurst University, I sat down for an interview with Teach for America, hopeful for an opportunity to evoke change from within the education system. In turn, Teach for America chose me! They celebrated my passion for helping others and years of advocacy for diverse learners. The organization’s reputation for rigor, opportunity, and its vibrant community of like-minded individuals made the decision to pursue a second master’s degree while teaching, an endeavor that would not only change my life but the community that I would work in.

I grew up on the West Side of Chicago in the heart of gang territory across the street from Rockwell Gardens Projects on Western and Jackson. Theft and violence were everyday activities. But even in that environment, my mom, a single mother of four, shielded me the best she could. My world was tightly patrolled by the values of home, school, and church. I understood early that one innocent decision, like going to a house party instead of home or a friend’s house, could change everything. It was self-evident early on that education was the key to success and freedom.

One of my earliest and most defining memories in my education happened in kindergarten. I was eager to please, especially in school.

My teacher, Mrs. Garrett, had given us a workbook assignment. It was a strict Catholic school, and I remember wanting so badly to impress her.

I couldn’t recall the specific instructions, but I was determined to do well —so I completed the entire workbook. The next day, she collected our books and, upon seeing mine, she exploded. She screamed at me for not following directions and, in front of the entire class, threw the workbook at me. I was embarrassed and scared. I cried uncontrollably. The very next day, my mother withdrew me from that school.

In Teach for America corps development sessions we talk alot about what experiences shape us and how we approach education and it affects our leadership in the classroom. That moment stays with me to this day. However, I no longer wonder why not following the rules provoked such rage in a woman who looked just like me. That experience has taught me that students often lead with heart, and what they need is guidance for their enthusiasm for education, and encouragement to reach the highest heights that they desire.

The Value of Now: Why Finance Is a Belief System, Not Just a Degree Pursuing an MBA with an emphasis in Finance was more than a professional milestone—it was a personal mission. I believe that finance is not just numbers, charts, or investments; it is a belief system that should govern everyday life. At the heart of this belief system lies the principle of Net Present Value (NPV), a formula used to evaluate the profitability of an investment: NPV =

∑ (Cash flow / (1 + r)^t) – Initial Investment

In simple terms, NPV teaches us that the value of money is not static—it changes based on time, risk, and opportunity cost. This mindset is essential in life: every decision has a cost, and the sooner we understand the value of time and money, the better we can steward both.

Financial literacy should be as common as learning to read. Yet, in African American communities, systemic barriers and historical exclusion from wealth-building opportunities have made this knowledge seem elite or inaccessible. According to a 2021 Ariel Investments and Charles Schwab study, only 26% of African Americans work with a financial advisor, with lack of trust and lack of representation being significant barriers. I am committed to changing that. I pursued Finance, by way of a suggested opportunity, but also so I could stand in rooms where people of color are often underrepresented, and bring strategic, culturally relevant guidance to organizations and families like mine.

If you receive a lump sum of money—whether through inheritance, settlement, or even a bonus—the emotionally driven response might be to spend it. But a finance-minded approach asks: What is the opportunity cost of spending this now versus investing it? For example, receiving $20,000 and putting it in a high-yield investment portfolio with a modest 7% return can grow to over $38,000 in 10 years. That same amount could be gone in a month without strategy. Even something as simple as reviewing your cash inflows and outflows— balancing your checkbook or tracking your subscriptions—can be an act of empowerment. I carry this knowledge now as armor and boldness—to inspire others to ask better questions, make informed choices, and own their financial futures.

A Journey Through Japan: My Global Experience with Youth Education is about more than test scores and transcripts, it’s about shaping young minds to thrive in a complex, interconnected world.

Giving students the opportunity to see the world beyond their own communities is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of their place in the global landscape. When students travel they begin to reimagine what’s possible for themselves. Global exposure is a foundation for lifelong learning.

In the spring of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to lead a group of students on a nine-day educational tour of Japan with EF Tours.

We began our adventure with an overnight flight from Chicago, buzzing with anticipation and curiosity. Upon landing in Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic capital, we were welcomed by our Mexican-born Tour Director (who spoke Spanish, Japanese, and English!)who would guide us through this cultural immersion. We explored the Harajuku shopping district, visited the Meiji Shinto Shrine, a tranquil forest sanctuary in the heart of the city. A walking tour of Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection, and a stop at the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Our final stop that day, Akihabara Electric Town, introduced students to the techsavvy, anime-rich pulse of modern Japan.

We participated in a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, where we learned the art of quiet intention and tea drinking being an experience.

From Yokohama, we boarded the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima was, for many of us, the emotional heart of the journey. At Peace Memorial Park and Museum, we stood in solemn reflection at the site where the world’s first atomic bomb was dropped and the ruins made evil unacceptable. Our group moved quietly, holding space for the stories of lives lost and the legacy of a city determined to rebuild.

That day, history became human.

In Osaka, our final destination, we sampled iconic street food in Dotonbori, we ate a ton off squid balls. Throughout the journey, the students were learners, listeners, and observers. They asked tough questions, navigated cultural differences, and grew more independent and self-aware with each passing day.

NONPROFIT NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP As a nonprofit leader, I’ve had the privilege of launching and managing initiatives that uplift communities, empower families, and create access to opportunities where they’re needed most.

From founding one nonprofit to reviving another, serving in leadership roles that require both vision and hands-on strategy, I’ve worn many hats—program developer, fundraiser, parent advocate, and operations manager. While passion and purpose have fueled my efforts, I’ve come to recognize that sustainable impact also requires a solid foundation in financial acumen, organizational management, and strategic planning.

Since 2017 my nonproft has awarded students thousands in scholarship awards, made ivy league connections, and provided over 100 resource nights.

Pursuing my MBA was an intentional investment in the long-term success of the missions I believe in. It equips me with the advanced tools to build stronger systems, analyze data for better decision-making, and lead with confidence in complex, resourceconstrained environments. www.oprfhsapple.org

A.P.P.L.E. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2025 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TRIP BELIZE

2024 EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO JAPAN 2024 FUTURE PHILANTHROPISTS PROGRAM GRANT

2022 OPRFCF COMMUNITY GRANT

$10,500

IN SCHOLARSHIPS

19 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

104 RESOURCE NIGHTS A 501C3 ORGANIZATION

STUDYING

STUDYING ABROAD

ABROAD Booklets are printed materials with four or more pages, containing details about a business, event, product, promotion, etc. They are also known as catalogs or pamphlets, and are usually created to communicate a message to a wide variety of audiences.

The realization of my MBA program's potential became evident as I delved into studying business internationally. Despite lacking natural resources, Singapore has cultivated a thriving economy by leveraging education, innovation, and financial markets, with 57% of its revenue stemming from stock investments. Clean streets, efficient transportation, and wellmaintained public infrastructure reflect a national ethos centered on progress and sustainability. This commitment to forward-thinking strategies has allowed Singapore to remain globally competitive.

GLOBAL GLOBAL LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP “To understand one’s culture is not through a conversation, but through experiencing their culture”- Bistra Vassileva, PhD, CDMP Art mural in China Town, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Malaysia, while valuing achievement, faces significant challenges in economic development. With a Hofstede score of 47, Malaysia is considered to have a great respect for culture and tradition. A large population of Malaysians are agricultural workers, they work the coconut fields, palm fields, tourism and Hawkers. They can only afford public housing. The physical deterioration and poor upkeep of skyscrapers that are public housing magnifies the disparities in wealth distribution.

LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY Transformational leadership begins with vision and values. John C. Maxwell said it best: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” A mirror of the mission. I lead with empathy, fairness, and a collaborative mindset, knowing that leadership is less about control and more about influence and alignment.

When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they don’t just follow a mission—they help expand it.

Sky Mirror, Malacca, Malaysia. A 30min boat trip 1.74 nautical miles off the coast of the fishing village of Jeram, Selangor, in the middle of the Straits of Malacca Sea.

Creating a motivating work environment requires more than good intentions; it requires connection. In a digital age where human interaction is often replaced with screens, we risk losing the essence of workplace culture. I believe that regular, intentional human connectio, whether through in-person engagement or meaningful virtual interaction, is not only good for morale but essential for mental health and long-term organizational success.

Transformational leadership, then, is not just about guiding others, it’s about connecting deeply, leading fairly, and inspiring purpose-driven action in every role.

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY PHILOSOPHY Leadership is a profound responsibility that demands integrity, intentionality, and emotional intelligence. As Cockerell (2008) emphasized, leadership must be taken seriously, and I fully embrace that charge.

My leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief of leading by example.

Although more work needs to be done, I recognize the evolving dynamics of today’s workforce where there is less tolerance for discriminatory and toxic behaviors solely because they create a liability for a company or organization, not because the company culture promotes a healthy work environment - if you have a brick and mortar environment to go to. Leadership is currently exploring how to build a strong virtual culture and effectively manage engagement in remote settings. As I navigate a multigenerational workplace, I prioritize understanding both traditional and contemporary perspectives.

This adaptability enables me to lead with a growth mindset, fostering connection, innovation, and resilience across diverse teams.

The Saint Sofia Church is the oldest church in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, dating to the fourth century, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

She’s a I am a diehard Marvel fan, however,Wonder Woman has long embodied the essence of strength, grace, and justice. But beneath the tiara and armor lies a truth that transcends the screen: everyone, especially educators, are superheroes. The daily battles fought with love, resilience, and sacrifice may not make headlines, but they shape lives, families, and futures. In education, as in heroism, there is endurance, power, and the unwavering will to protect and uplift.

Wonder Woman resonates deeply with me—not just as a symbol, but as a reflection. She fights with honor, believes in justice, and refuses to shrink in the face of adversity. As a mother, a professional, and a leader, I too carry the weight of many roles while striving to make a difference. Like her, I fight for what I believe in—for my children, my career, my community, and my own dreams. I believe in being strong and soft, in setting boundaries and opening doors for others.

Every day, I channel my own version of the lasso of truth—holding myself and others accountable with love and fairness. I’ve learned to fight not just for survival, but for legacy—for the future I want to leave behind. And just like Wonder Woman, I aim to inspire other diverse learners to rise with courage, to take up space unapologetically, and to realize that they are all powerful beyond measure.

Diverse learners are often overlooked or underestimated, yet their presence and persistence have been instrumental in shaping classrooms, communities, and futures. They learn with resilience, adapt with insight, and thrive in environments that may not have been built for them. From navigating language barriers to challenging systemic inequities, diverse learners bring a richness of experience that deepens understanding and strengthens outcomes.

The essence of wonder lies in its ability to momentarily pull us out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Wonder is childlike yet profound, it connects us to something greater than ourselves. It reminds us that despite our knowledge, there is still so much more to be discovered, within and around us, and for me its lies in education.

The Graduate