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Melissa Walker
Partner Engagement Coordinator at Rock The Street, Wall Street
Professional Background
Melissa Walker is a dedicated and passionate professional with a diverse background that bridges education, recruiting, and advocacy. With over ten years of experience in the educational sector, Melissa began her career as a teacher in the Franklin Special School District, where she honed her abilities to motivate and support students in their academic journeys. However, after a decade in the education system, she found herself frustrated with the limitations imposed by a broken system. Balancing the demands of teaching with the responsibility of being a single mother, Melissa took a bold step and transitioned from the classroom to the recruiting industry, seizing an opportunity that unexpectedly arose.
Melissa’s journey in the recruiting field began with a short-term position as a Recruiting Coordinator. Despite the initial uncertainty, this role allowed her to delve into the intricacies of talent acquisition, a field she quickly grew to love. Her enthusiasm for data and organization shone through as she found herself thriving while working with Excel spreadsheets. Her impressive skills did not go unnoticed; she was recruited for a legal recruiting position where she utilized her people skills to connect with candidates actively. This experience fueled her desire to help others find fulfilling career paths, reinforcing her vision of career coaching as a means to empower individuals and assist them in achieving their professional goals.
Over time, however, Melissa recognized a gap in her professional fulfillment, particularly regarding her passion for child and educational advocacy. Committed to making a difference, she began volunteering with organizations like Safe Baby Court and the Foster Care Review Board, leveraging her educational insights to consult on cases that aimed to create better outcomes for children. These experiences not only complemented her professional achievements but also reconnected her with her mission to support youth effectively.
In a bold move to blend her interests in technology and recruiting, Melissa transitioned into IT and engineering recruiting, seeking to explore a new sector that piqued her professional interests. Although she faced the unexpected challenges of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she adapted quickly, learning new processes and navigating the demands of a changing industry.
With resilience and determination, Melissa once again confronted the challenge of unemployment in September 2020, prompting her to pursue her dreams actively. This led her to joining Rock the Street Wall Street, an organization whose mission resonates deeply with her beliefs and aspirations. As the Partner Engagement Coordinator at Rock the Street Wall Street, she embraces the opportunity to utilize her experiences to inspire young women to explore careers in finance, technology, and engineering.
Education and Achievements
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Elementary Education and Teaching, with a minor in Psychology from Lesley University. This strong educational background laid the foundation for her success in teaching and child advocacy, equipping her with essential knowledge about child development and educational psychology. Additionally, she pursued undergraduate courses at Western Kentucky University, further enriching her academic experience.
Her professional journey is marked by diverse roles across multiple industries. Starting as a teacher, transitioning into legal recruiting, and now thriving alongside actively engaged partners at Rock the Street Wall Street, Melissa has developed a wide-ranging skill set. Roles she has held include:
- Resource Development Manager/Technical Agent at Adecco - Modis
- Director of Legal Recruiting at Adecco - Modis
- Recruiting Coordinator (contract) at SpecialtyCare
- Designer/New Home Consultant at Signature Homes
Melissa’s broad expertise allows her to see the intricacies of recruiting from various angles, creating a comprehensive understanding of the talents and skills that contribute to successful placements.
Achievements
Melissa’s commitment to advocacy sets her apart in her professional landscape. As a volunteer for the Safe Baby Court and Foster Care Review Board, she plays an essential role in facilitating better outcomes for children in need. By using her educational insights, she helps construct plans and solutions aimed at giving these children the best possible chances of success. Her advocacy work exemplifies her dedication to making a difference in the lives of youth, and her educational background complements her efforts profoundly.
Through her journey from the classroom to the recruitment industry, Melissa has consistently leveraged her unique experiences and personal challenges to deepen her understanding of education, career coaching, and advocacy. As a professional who is always eager to learn and grow, Melissa Walker embodies a spirit of resilience and positivity, continually seeking ways to impact lives positively. Joining Rock the Street Wall Street symbolizes a pivotal moment in her career, one where her passions and professional intersect seamlessly. She is excited to learn and grow with a supportive team that believes as strongly as she does in empowering the next generation of women in finance and technology.
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