I have a passion for public speaking, and grab at every chance I can to do so. I've spoken mostly on social advocacy for the LGBTQ community and microaggressions. I have valuable life experience and skills regarding my mental health, and coming out story.
Learn more about me here, and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
To book a speaking engagement with Melanie contact her via email. Be sure to leave your name, number, and purpose for reaching out in the message.There is no charge for speaking, however a requested donation in the amount that will cover travel costs and potential food need is appreciated.
Thank you.
*Exceptions may apply.
Learn more about me here, and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
To book a speaking engagement with Melanie contact her via email. Be sure to leave your name, number, and purpose for reaching out in the message.There is no charge for speaking, however a requested donation in the amount that will cover travel costs and potential food need is appreciated.
Thank you.
*Exceptions may apply.
Social AdvocacyThis category is the broadest, and the one Melanie has the most specialization in.
She has conducted research and is developing a scale to measure microaggressive experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. From this research, she has learned many things including ways to help combat microaggression. This is what her TEDx talk is on (link here). Melanie has researched various types of microaggression and their impacts intersecting with individual's health in addition to other minority statuses. She is familiar and educated about microgrgession in several minority statuses. Melanie has spoken at events with Jedidiah Brown and Father Michael Pflegar that were aimed towards inclusion and love across all platforms of diversity. She attends conferences, workshops, and events yearly to further and broaden her knowledge. Melanie aims to go beyond her own opinions and experiences to increase her awareness of others' perspectives, and to counter her own biases. Melanie's life experiences with minority status centers around her sexual orientation. She has been fired, and left out of faith communities because of it. Additionally, being a woman has proven to show its challenges. |
FaithMelanie has identified as a Christian her whole life, but truly accepted Christ in 2010. Since this time she has learned a lot and been tested in her faith both academically and personally.
Melanie was an onterim youth pastor for a year at LaSalle Street Church, and before that she ran their junior high programming on Sundays. After being outed by her youth pastor Melanie went through a time where she could not trust anyone or God. This took her a journey where doubt and pain were rampant, but only served to strengthen her faith. |
Mental HealthMelanie has had mental health disorders for most of her life, which primarily has consisted of depression. Despite this she has been able to be successful, achieve her goals, be a leader, perform well in school, and so much more. She currently is diagnosed with three disorders, is in therapy, and on medication.
The battle with her mental health will likely never be 100% over. It is like a roller coaster from day to day, month to month, and year to year. Melanie has learned therapy techniques, mental health patterns, stigmas and microaggressions, behavioral tendencies, common difficulties and more from both academic classes and her treatment. |
*Speeches revolve around both evidence and her experience, and can vary depending on request.