Melissa Brown
Channel Operations Manager, Appfire
📍Cleveland, United States
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
Companies should actively promote and advocate for their employees to engage with their local communities and give back. Encouraging hands-on involvement helps individuals experience the "ripple effect"—where small acts of kindness create a chain reaction leading to meaningful change. The more employees get involved, the more passionate they become about making a difference, inspiring others, and amplifying their impact. By fostering a culture of service, businesses can drive lasting social change from the ground up.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I want my legacy to be one of giving back and making a lasting impact on my community—ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Through my work with Shoes & Clothes for Kids and leading the Socks in the City campaign, I help break barriers to school attendance by providing essential resources that give children the confidence to learn and grow. Beyond that, I mentor students, guiding them to see their own potential and instilling in them the strength, resilience, and empowerment to become future leaders. I believe that real change happens when we invest in people—lifting up the next generation so they can thrive, lead, and continue the cycle of giving back. My hope is that my work not only provides immediate impact but also inspires others to create lasting, meaningful change in their own communities.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empowerment. I believe leadership is about lifting others up, giving them the confidence, tools, and support they need to succeed. Whether it’s mentoring students, advocating for children, or driving operational excellence in my work, my goal is to create an environment where people feel valued, capable, and inspired to make an impact. True leadership isn’t about holding power—it’s about sharing it, fostering growth, and empowering others to reach their full potential.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
All generations matter. Learn from the women who came before you—understand their challenges, how they overcame them, and what fueled their passion and determination. Use their strength as the foundation for your own growth and leadership. At the same time, remember the generations that will follow you. They are the future leaders of our world. Instill in them knowledge, compassion, resilience, and determination. Lift others as you climb, mentor those around you, and create a legacy of empowerment that extends far beyond yourself.
All generations matter.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m most excited about continuing my work with Shoes & Clothes for Kids and finding new ways to expand our impact. I dedicate countless volunteer hours to supporting the staff, driving a strong annual Socks in the City campaign, and ensuring that more children have access to the essentials they need to succeed. Giving back isn’t just something I do—it’s part of who I am. As I look ahead, I want to inspire more people to get involved, whether through volunteering, leadership, or advocacy. The more hands we have, the bigger difference we can make. My hope is to not only strengthen Shoes & Clothes for Kids but to also cultivate a new generation of volunteers and leaders who are just as passionate about making a lasting impact in our community.
