Meet the Leaders Driving Our Collective Vision
Explore the committee’s commitment to guiding strategic initiatives that enhance community well-being and support individual success, embodying the Coalition’s core mission and principles.
Leadership Team Overview
Meet the dedicated leaders steering the coalition towards impactful community progress.
Melissa Thomas
Executive Director and CEO, the Branch
I was privileged to initiate the work of Better Futures Coalition in December of 2022. Connecting with our community and community partners is highly important and extremely valuable for more effective long term impact. Our networking alone has been pivotal for many of our organizations.
Melanie Wise
Executive Director, Together Nashville
I am newer to the coalition but bring over 20 years of Middle Tennessee roots, and as someone who anticipates becoming a Southeast Nashville resident in the coming months, I’m honored to serve what will soon be my own community.
Through my work leading Together Nashville, I am deeply committed to learning from and supporting collaborative efforts across the city that advance the flourishing of its people.
Richard Taylor
Vice President of eTransX
I joined the Better Futures coalition steering committee in May 2023 to help advance the mission and impact of the coalition by sharing years of personal experience in working with similar coalitions, and leveraging my personal connections and experiences working with various initiatives in the Nashville area. I am a big believer in the power of coalitions to accomplish more by working together than by working separately – leveraging the collective impact of the coalition members.
Rong Wang
Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University
Monisa Angell
Title Coming Soon
I am a founding member of the Better Futures Coalition for Southeast Nashville, inspired by my experience mentoring a refugee family in Antioch, TN. Witnessing firsthand the challenges they and local nonprofits face in accessing basic needs deepened my commitment to advocating for the health and well-being of this diverse and growing community. Alongside this work, I am a professional violist in the recording industry, bringing creativity and collaboration into all that I do.
Lucas Schwanke
Title Coming Soon
I joined the steering committee because I saw it as an opportunity to work with a community driven organization and learn not only how my organization can help but how we all came come together to better the communities we serve. I have been on the committee for about 9 months.
Join Our Leadership Journey Today
Discover how you can contribute to shaping our coalition’s future by joining the Steering Committee. Learn about upcoming meetings, roles, and how your voice can drive meaningful change. Register to join the coalition and get involved.
What roles does the Steering Committee play?
Explore key insights about our leadership team, their responsibilities, and how they steer the Coalition toward community impact.
Who are the members of the Steering Committee?
Our committee includes dedicated professionals guiding strategic decisions to advance our mission.
How does the committee support the Coalition’s mission?
By overseeing initiatives and fostering collaboration, the committee ensures progress toward community well-being.
Can individuals participate in the Steering Committee?
Yes, we welcome engaged community members to contribute and join monthly meetings.
When and where are the Steering Committee meetings held?
Meetings occur monthly, with details provided to all interested participants ahead of time.