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Melinda Epler

Creating equity, allyship and inclusion for all

Professional Background

Melinda Briana Epler is a pioneering leader in the fields of business innovation, diversity, and inclusion, boasting over 25 years of experience in developing transformative strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and globally impactful NGOs. As the CEO of Change Catalyst, she is driven by a mission to foster a more equitable and inclusive technology landscape. Melinda’s expertise lies in leveraging storytelling and large-scale culture change to guide tech companies, tech hubs, and governments worldwide in their diversity initiatives.

Her role as a strategic advisor has seen her work closely with prominent tech companies, helping them tackle challenges related to diversity and inclusion. Melinda is also the co-leader of Tech Inclusion, a series of global conferences aimed at generating actionable solutions to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Under her leadership, over 450 tech companies and community organizations have collaborated through 43 solutions-focused events around the globe, making a measurable impact on the industry's approach to diversity.

Education and Achievements

Melinda's educational background is as diverse as her professional portfolio. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California, where she focused her studies on media production. Her foundational studies include a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of Washington. This remarkable educational journey has equipped her with a unique blend of creative, analytical, and storytelling skills that she utilizes in her current endeavors.

Throughout her career, Melinda has also made significant contributions as a marketing and culture executive and an award-winning documentary filmmaker. She has directed and produced impactful media projects that shed light on pressing issues such as the AIDS crisis in South Africa, women's rights in Turkey, and the climate change challenges facing various communities. Her extensive experience in storytelling has enriched her ability to communicate complex ideas about diversity and inclusion effectively.

Achievements

In addition to her role at Change Catalyst, Melinda has been recognized for her contributions to the tech industry and social entrepreneurship. She is a sought-after TED speaker, where she shares her insights on diversity, inclusion, and allyship. Her speaking engagements span prestigious stages, including SXSW, Grace Hopper, Wisdom 2.0, the World Bank, and high-profile events hosted by the Obama White House and the Clinton Foundation.

Beyond speaking, Melinda actively mentors emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, contributing her expertise to initiatives like the Get Sh!t Done Accelerator and the Rise of the Rest Expert Network at Revolution. As a former co-founder of Tech Inclusion, she has played a crucial role in advocating for underrepresented entrepreneurs and pushing for significant changes in investment patterns within the tech industry. Her membership with 37 Angels highlights her commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for women and diverse founders.

In her work, Melinda emphasizes the importance of allyship and the responsibility of the tech community to uplift marginalised voices. Her written work and presentations continue to inspire countless individuals worldwide, encouraging them to engage in meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion. Melinda’s passion and dedication to social justice have made her a respected figure in the tech landscape, ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of innovation and growth.

Overall, Melinda Briana Epler is a dedicated advocate for change in the tech industry, a powerhouse of storytelling, and a mentor to many. Her approach is both innovative and empathetic, aiming to create lasting impact and foster a culture of inclusivity. As she continues to lead initiatives at Change Catalyst and beyond, Melinda's work serves as an example of how commitment to diversity can transform industries and communities.

tags':['business innovation','inclusion strategies','diversity and inclusion','Change Catalyst','Tech Inclusion','documentary filmmaker','social entrepreneurship','underrepresented entrepreneurs','TED speaker','mentor','Cultural change','media production','anthropology','sociocultural studies','public speaking','community organizations','strategic advisor','women's rights','AIDS crisis','climate change','technology industry','cultural narratives'],'questions':['How did Melinda Epler develop her expertise in diversity and inclusion strategies for the tech industry?','What inspired Melinda Epler to transition from documentary filmmaking to promoting diversity in tech?','In what ways has Melinda Epler influenced global discussions on social entrepreneurship and allyship?','Wha

Highlights

Jan 13 · linkedin

📢 How can each of us better support accessibility and inclusion in 2023?

⭐ In Episode 109, Sunday Parker, Access Technology Program Manager at Microsoft, joins me in a conversation about everyone’s role in creating accessible and inclusive communities for people with disabilities.

Sunday describes what physical and digital accessibility look like and the importance of continuing to incorporate digital accessibility into social media platforms, particularly as they evolve and change. She shares the value of interdependence in communities and how allies can amplify the voices of disability advocates.

She also talks about her work in providing non-profits with the resources they need to better support their disability constituents.

🎙️Listen to EP109 on almost any podcast platform (search for "Leading With Empathy & Allyship") or on our website, where you can also watch the show.

🔗 https://lnkd.in/gd5cQHrg

🌐 Please share this episode to grow our community of allies, advocates, and leaders!

#Allyship #AllyshipPodcast #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Empathy #BeAnAlly #DEI #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityJustice #AccessibilityNonprofitTechAccelerator #MicrosoftAccessibilityForNonprofits #DisabilityNonprofitOrganization

Melinda Epler
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Location

San Francisco Bay Area