Born and reared and always representing the South Side of Chicago, Melody R. Waller is the proud daughter of parents who instilled a strong foundation of kindness, service, courage, faith, and love. Throughout her professional journey, she’s been inspired by brands that connect with the hearts and minds of people and their desires to create meaningful lives. This purpose and why ultimately led her to weave a narrative that demonstrates focused attention within the health and wellness communications space.

From championing corporate social responsibility efforts for childhood nutrition, to creating mammogram screening campaigns for African American women, to navigating literacy around mental health stigma and judgement in the workplace, Melody is passionate about amplifying awareness of the social determinants of health. This work creates solutions towards reducing healthcare disparities in marginalized communities.

Currently, Melody is an Account Director with Burrell Communications and oversees the Health and Wellness business for a major retail organization. Most notably, she led team efforts that launched the African American marketing communications for Walmart Health Centers in Chicago, and a successful launch of the first-ever private brand analog insulin, providing greater access to people managing diabetes care.

Prior to Burrell, Melody built strategic partnerships and facilitated organizational development efforts for the YMCA, Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business, P&G, Kraft Foods, General Mills, McNeil Nutritionals, and General Motors.

Melody earned her M.S. in Managerial Communication and Organizational Development from Northwestern University and her B.A. from Oberlin College. She also holds certifications in Leadership Coaching from Harvard University, and Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and is a charter member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Chicago Metropolitan Chapter, thus, she is always wearing her pearls.