EmpowHER: Melanie Martin, Executive Director of Turning Point Advocacy Services

Melanie Martin is a leader whose journey into the nonprofit sector began with uncertainty but quickly transformed into clarity and purpose. From navigating leadership as a young woman to redefining success beyond titles and compensation, her story is rooted in service, resilience, and lifting others along the way.

Finding Purpose in the Nonprofit Sector

Her career path began at Missouri Valley College, where she initially planned to pursue a degree in Education. Like many students, she was still discovering where she fit and how she wanted to make an impact. That clarity came when she discovered The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

As she learned more about the nonprofit sector and the opportunity to serve communities in meaningful, systemic ways, something clicked. She realized her passion wasn’t just in teaching, but in creating environments where people feel supported, empowered, and connected to resources that can truly change their lives. That realization led her to change her major to Nonprofit Management, and from that point forward she felt a deep sense of clarity and purpose about her path.

Since then, her work has been driven by a commitment to service, advocacy, and strengthening communities. Discovering the nonprofit field showed her how she could combine her desire to help others with leadership and community impact, and that alignment continues to inspire her every day.

Navigating Leadership as a Young Woman

As a woman, and particularly as a younger woman in leadership, one of the biggest challenges she has faced has been not always being taken as seriously as her role or experience warrants. There have been moments where assertiveness, which is often expected in leadership, has been perceived negatively, or where she has had to work harder to ensure her voice was heard in spaces where assumptions about age and gender still exist.

Over time, she learned that overcoming these challenges requires both confidence and authenticity. She focused on leading with preparation, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose while building meaningful relationships rooted in trust and respect. Rather than softening her voice to fit expectations, she embraced assertiveness as a strength, one that allows her to advocate effectively for her team, her mission, and the people they serve.

These experiences reinforced her belief that leadership is not about fitting a mold. It is about showing up with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to lifting others along the way.

A Leadership Style Grounded in Empathy

She describes her leadership style as deeply relational and grounded in empathy. She leads from the belief that people do their best work when they feel seen, heard, and supported, not just as employees, but as whole people.

Her approach is shaped by listening first, being transparent about decisions, and creating space where team members feel safe to share ideas, ask questions, and even make mistakes as part of growth. Empowerment, to her, means helping people recognize their own strengths and giving them the confidence to use their voice. She is intentional about checking in, offering encouragement, and ensuring that staff know their contributions matter.

At the heart of her leadership is a commitment to building trust and lifting others up. She wants the people she works with to feel proud of what they do and confident in their potential. When teams feel supported and connected to the mission, the impact naturally follows.

Balancing Career and Family

Balancing a career and personal life is something she continues to navigate every day, especially as both a leader and a mom. She has learned that balance is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about being intentional with her time and giving herself grace during seasons when things feel heavier on one side or the other.

Being present with her family is incredibly important to her, so she makes a conscious effort to unplug when she can and protect that time. She openly shares that she would be lost without her husband’s partnership and encouragement, as his support makes it possible for her to show up fully both at work and at home. At the same time, she reminds herself that caring for her own well-being through rest, reflection, and asking for support makes her a better leader and parent.

Her advice to other working women is to release the pressure to “do it all” and instead focus on what is meaningful and sustainable. Worth is not measured by how much someone carries, but by how intentionally and authentically they show up.

Resilience Through Uncertainty

One achievement she is particularly proud of is not a traditional project or program. In August of 2025, she found herself unexpectedly unemployed. What could have been a crushing moment became a turning point.

She chose to pivot, reflect, and trust that the challenge was leading her somewhere meaningful. The process required persistence and courage, but through it she discovered a role and path that felt fully aligned with her purpose. That season of uncertainty strengthened her resilience and reshaped how she leads and mentors others today.

Looking back, she sees that setbacks can redirect us toward exactly where we are meant to be.

The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of her journey, both as a mentee and as someone who strives to mentor others. Early in her career, she was fortunate to have a supervisor, Nicole Hawkins, who believed in her deeply and invested in her growth. That belief gave her the confidence to step into leadership and trust her instincts.

Having experienced that support firsthand, she now prioritizes paying it forward. She focuses on creating opportunities for others to grow, sharing guidance, and celebrating the achievements of women supporting women. To her, mentorship is about helping others see their potential and fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration.

Leadership is not just about individual accomplishment. It is about lifting others up and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Using Leadership for Positive Change

Through her experience in the nonprofit sector, she has seen how women in leadership can use their positions to drive positive change and foster inclusivity. It begins with leading by example, showing empathy, listening deeply, and intentionally creating spaces where diverse voices are not only welcomed but amplified.

In her own work, she focuses on mentoring other women, building partnerships that strengthen programs, and advocating for policies and practices that create equitable opportunities. She believes that even small actions, such as giving someone a seat at the table or recognizing their contributions, can create a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.

Melanie's Advice That Shaped Her

One piece of advice that has had a profound impact on her is,

“Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re too much.”

Throughout her career, there have been moments where ambition, passion, or assertiveness were perceived negatively. That reminder helped her see that her voice and drive are strengths, not liabilities. It gave her the confidence to lead authentically and advocate boldly for her team and the communities she serves.

She now carries that message forward by encouraging other women to own their power and trust their instincts without dimming themselves to fit someone else’s expectations.

Redefining Success

Early in her career, success was measured by titles, raises, and financial milestones. Over time, especially through her work in the nonprofit sector, that perspective shifted.

She realized that true success is not found in a paycheck, but in the impact made and the lives touched. Fulfillment now comes from seeing communities strengthened, supporting individuals through meaningful change, and knowing her work contributes to safety, opportunity, and hope for others.

For her, leadership is about purpose, relationships, and service. That sense of purpose, far more than any title or salary, is what drives her every day.

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