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.
Dr. Rong Wang
Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University
I joined the Better Future Coalition Steering Committee because it aligns closely with both my research interests and my personal journey. As a researcher, I am interested in understanding how refugee- and immigrant-serving nonprofits coordinate, collaborate, and engage in collective action to better support local communities. As an immigrant myself, I also bring a personal perspective to this work and am committed to strengthening the networks and partnerships that help create more welcoming and inclusive communities.
Monisa Angell
Violist, Nashville Recording Orchestra
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
Social Worker, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee
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.
Jamil Sameen
Adult Literacy, Nashville Public Library
I have been involved from the beginning of forming the coalition. I represent Nashville Public Library (NPL) – adult literacy program. NPL functions as a hub to connect many nonprofit agencies, government entities, and community representatives. Being part of the Better Future coalition further expands the networking effort and determines the needs of the communities. I think by working alongside diverse partners to provide reliable resources and professional developments opportunities will make real social impact on targeted communities. The Better Future coalition’s goal is collectively service the residents of southeast Nashville and connect them to resources which aligns with NPL. At NPL, everyone can find all kinds of information and resources to assist them with their needs.
Duane Dominy
Title Coming
Bio Coming
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.