Melissa Husband is executive director of Community Action Partnership of Providence and an adjunct professor for Roger Williams University’s SCS Community Development Program teaching Nonprofit Management. Husband holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Roger Williams University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island. She holds a Master Certificate in Supervisory Management and is a graduate of the Leadership Rhode Island’s 2012 Theta II Class. She is an actively involved member of several boards, committees and commissions as a representative of the communities she serves including: Co-chair of Mayor Jorge Elorza’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee, I-195 Commissioner, Public Utilities Commission Advisory Board Member, RI Coalition for the Homeless Board Member, United Way of RI Community Investment Board Member, just to name a few.
photo by Agapao Productions
I am proud and honored to lead an organization that strives to and succeeds at fighting to reduce poverty, revitalizing low-income communities, and empowering low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient by: creating economic, educational and other opportunities for and providing a range of services to low-income families and individuals; mobilizing resources directed to the elimination of poverty; and educating the public on issues of poverty and community revitalization.
Growing up poor in the Southside of Providence, I know first hand what it’s like to struggle and endure the pains of poverty. I decided that I wasn’t going to allow my circumstance to hinder me: but instead I decided, to quote Roberto Rivera, to turn my “pain into propane for personal empowerment and social change”.
I made a personal commitment to serve my community in as many ways as I could. My life goals were and still are to: learn to be a great leader as a way to cultivate other leaders; use my influence and voice to make social change; be a mentor because my mentors have had a life changing impact on me; share my story to inspire and encourage others to survive and thrive; and leave a legacy through my life’s work and my children.
I am truly blessed to have a career I’m passionate about and to live out my legacy along side the amazing staff at CAPP who’s passion and commitment to serve our communities is unmatched. I’m also so truly blessed to have a supportive husband and children, family and friends to keep me grounded and humble.
My life’s motto is: If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you; I am forever changed and look forward to the change to come.
