The St. Louis Public Schools: A Story of History and Hope

After a 10-year career in higher education, Ms. Adams transferred her skills to the non-profit sector. She became the first executive director of Teach For America, St. Louis, where she set up the program and worked closely with the National Headquarters and large donors. She then started her own consulting firm in which she helps non-profit organizations build better connections to the broader community. Her clients included the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation, and the Missouri Historical Society.Ms. Adams has been deeply committed to being a leader in civic and community organizations. Upon relocating to Saint Louis, she immediately got involved in community activities. She was a founding member and President of Metropolis St. Louis, and has served on a variety of boards in the region including Americorps St. Louis and The St. Louis Public Schools Foundation. Based on her strong leadership skills, she was selected to participate in both the CORO Women in Leadership program and the FOCUS St. Louis Leadership class. Through these prestigious programs she learned about the St. Louis community and obtained skills in how to get people actively involved in the solution process. She currently serves as secretary of the Black Leadership Roundtable, secretary of FOCUS St. Louis, a member of the St. Louis Community College Foundation, and member of the Special Administrative Board for the St. Louis Public Schools.Melanie Adams earned her undergraduate degree in English/African American studies from the University of Virginia and her M.Ed. from the University of Vermont.