Born and raised in East Lansing, Michigan, Melissa “Mel” Green grew up with the vision of Olympic rings in her eyes. From the age of 7, she trained tirelessly as a gymnast, but a serious back injury at 13 shattered her Olympic dreams and forced her to pivot and develop a new dream. Rising like the Phoenix from the ashes, Mel set her sights on a new goal: earning a college scholarship and competing at the Division I NCAA level. She accomplished that goal by earning a scholarship to compete at Michigan State University (Go Green!).  After four exhilarating years as a Student-Athlete, Mel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University’s James Madison College. After graduating from MSU, Mel took her drive and determination into enemy territory, attending the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she earned her Juris Doctor. After graduating in 2004, she launched her legal career in Cincinnati at Frost Brown Todd, LLC before moving to her first in-house legal role at GE Aviation. Mel moved to Washington, DC, in 2012, but the pull to Chicago was strong, and ultimately Mel landed in Chicago where she’s planted her roots since 2016. Mel founded and opened MDG Law Virtual in July 2022 where she channels her energy into helping solopreneurs and small businesses thrive. Her firm focuses on four key areas: Business Formation, Contract Services, Trademarks, and Outside General Counsel Services.

Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Kenkynthia is a proud Alumna of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. From there, she went on to obtain her Master of Science Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Kenkynthia currently serves as a Senior Case Manager with the Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services, where she focuses on developing safe and supportive plans that allow seniors to remain as self-sufficient as possible within the community. Kenkynthia spends her nights and weekends mentoring and advocating for physical and mental health wellness and equal opportunities for young women. For relaxation and fun, she enjoys fun in the sun or watching sunsets beachside.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Terri J. Sanders, MPH, is an award-winning, visionary executive and strategist with 20 years of experience in branding, marketing, and communications. As a public health professional, Terri spent her early career working tirelessly to improve access, equity, and outcomes, designing new approaches to care delivery and driving exponential growth for healthcare’s most impactful organizations. Her work in the industry culminated with being named Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for HIMSS, where she created and led its global strategy, including brand, marketing, communications, design, UI, and UX. Today, Terri serves as Managing Director for SM+Kivvit, one of the top 20 firms in the nation, where she is a highly respected advisor for executives and companies across industries, including health care, finance, technology, retail, and social impact. Terri holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan (UofM), where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received a Master of Health Management and Policy from the UofM’s School of Public Health, where she graduated with honors. Terri received her Omni-Channel Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations Essentials, Social Media, and Professional Business Writing certifications from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

Born and raised in Tampa, FL, Rhonda’s journey is defined by her energized pursuit of good trouble, future-forward thinking, lasting impact, and collaborative currency. An award-worthy champion of youth development, she doesn’t just set the bar—she challenges the bar to invent new standards. As Senior Program Director at The Skills Center in Tampa, Rhonda leads innovative program strategies and forges powerful community alliances to create meaningful, lasting change for young people and their families. Her leadership has transformed after-school spaces, elevated family engagement, and unlocked opportunities for thousands of students through her work with The Skills Center and various other youth-serving organizations.

Rhonda’s relentlessly optimistic “let’s get it!” mindset has fueled a vibrant track record—building teams, growing partnerships, and cultivating the type of inclusive, collaborative environments where leaders and learners shine. Her passion for teamwork is infused in every role, from leading youth ministry at Crossover Church to guiding comprehensive services with Early Head Start, to championing anti-bullying initiatives across Hillsborough County.

Rhonda holds a master’s degree in Strategic Communication & Leadership from Seton Hall University and a bachelor’s in Family, Youth & Community Sciences from the University of Florida—credentials that underscore her lifelong devotion to growth, learning, leadership, and advocacy. She is the owner of Notary-ish, LLC, past Vice President for the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. a First Aid/CPR/AED instructor, certified in youth and adult mental health first aid, and an emerging consultant for the use of AI in business.

Rhonda Flowers is a catalyst for progress, a connector of hearts and hands, and a role model for youth and adults alike. Her fearless spirit, joy for community, and visionary leadership promise incredible things for EverGreen Dreams Foundation.