YWCA Women of Excellence: Melissa Goodman

What inspires you?

I would say I am most inspired by people. Through my work with community reintegration for those completing their federal prison sentences, it feels amazing to be a part of someone's second chance. The men and women I work with are truly inspiring when they make a conscious effort to be a productive, healthy member of society. I am also tremendously inspired by the children I meet through Team Blake Foundation. These children have more grace and courage in their short years on this earth than others have in an entire lifetime. Children affected by childhood cancer make me want to do more; they make me want to be a better person.

What advice do you have for others?

Confucius said it best in regards to choosing a job you love. Find your passion and don't ever let it go! Don't let anyone steal your joy or passion, either. If you find a job where you can give back, you really won't work a day your entire life, because your time will mean so much more serving others. I've been blessed to find outlets to pour myself into through helping others in my work and my volunteerism. My best piece of advice is to be kind and to spread kindness wherever you go. You can't go wrong with being kind and looking out for others, you just can't.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned on your journey?

Along this journey, you will meet people who are on a good path, and you will also meet people who are on a much different path. I have chosen to not let the negative encounters change who I am today; I have learned from the good just as well as from the bad. When I was in case management years ago, it was easy to focus on the residents I had assigned to me who were causing the majority of the problems; however, the majority of residents on my caseload were amazing. The majority of residents assigned to me were doing everything right, putting forth so much effort, a pleasure to work with. Once I changed my outlook of not letting the minority affect how I treated the majority, I was golden. I learned to be at peace with the fact you can put forth your very best effort, if the person isn't ready, they are not ready. But, you still try. You still try again and again. because you do not ever lose the most important thing: HOPE.

What does your vision for our community look like?

My vision for community looks like people looking out for one another. It means helping your neighbor, helping a complete stranger, and everyone else in between. I really do dream we can get to a place where our children can play together, running around neighborhoods, without fear of being hurt. To me, community is I love my children, but I also love your children, too. I want nothing more than for my children to grow up healthy and happy; I want the exact same for my fellow parents in my community. Community is looking outside of your own interests as you want the very best for others, as well.

What does "Equal - Powerful - Unstoppable" mean to you?

As a parent, I aspire to instill kindness in my boys. I also teach my boys to stand up for what is right. Powerful is having the integrity to do the right thing, even when no one is around. Considering equal and powerful, to me this means being a voice for others who need your support. There is nothing more powerful than to accept and embrace the differences between us. To be equal, I think this starts with a foundation of humility. If you don't see anything or anyone beneath you, your perspective isn't skewed by preconceived notions. To be unstoppable means there is absolutely nothing in your way, nothing you will let get you off track.