2009 Chapter Woman of the Year and FHPW Woman of Excellence
February 18, 2009

Congratulations to Melanie Brown!  Melanie was named our 2009 Chapter Woman of the Year and our chapter's 2009 FHPW Woman of Excellence.

As a scientist, Dr. Melanie Brown has over 15 years experience in qualitative and quantitative analyses. She has owned and operated her consulting firm Systems Blueprint for the past 12.5 years and has over eight years experience in the online education industry. Currently, Dr. Brown specializes in leadership, strategic planning, business development, and executive presentation. She is an accomplished, self-motivated, and highly energetic leader with extensive experience directing organizations, operations, and programs in technology strategies. As a successful leader, Dr. Brown's expertise resides in effective leadership in small business environments focusing on women-owned businesses. She is a specialist in virtual team leadership and management with proven ability to drive business-planning strategies. Recognized as a tenacious and highly flexible manager, she has a proven record of successfully fulfilling business commitments. In addition to her consulting responsibilities, Dr. Brown is a University of Phoenix Faculty Member and an accomplished public speaker and writer. She is currently working publishing articles on leadership, gender differences, and small business environments.

Dr. Melanie Brown believes that through their strength, courage, endurance, and perseverance to overcome adversity women can indeed make a difference together. Women stand strong with an unbreakable faith that by working together and building warm relationships all women can realize their potential. Giving generously of their time, talent, knowledge, and experience, women collectively reflect an unmovable positive force in their communities, organizations, and businesses. Melanie would not be who she is without the support of the ABWA and strong women in her life. Demonstrating the power of women working together, the ABWA was integral in helping her achieve her greatest ambition of becoming a Doctor of Management specializing in women studies. Today, Melanie is actively involved with the ABWA, encouraging women to experience the power of shared purpose through membership, sharing her inspirational story, and volunteering at multiple levels to help other women. More importantly, she encourages young girls, like her 11-year old daughter Kayla who attends ABWA meetings, to be the best they can be. However, Melanie believes the work is never finished. Each day, the momentum to stand together assisting one another will continue to help women succeed in achieving their personal and professional aspirations.