Embrace Her Legacy is currently in an intentional and strategic board restructuring phase as we position our organization for greater impact. We are seeking passionate, purpose-driven leaders who are committed to empowering women and girls to break generational patterns and embrace legacies of love, wholeness, confidence, and wealth. If you’re interested in joining our Board of Directors, please visit our Join Our Team page to learn more and apply.
Founder & CEO/Board Chair: Maria I. Melendez
Maria I. Melendez, the visionary behind Embrace Her Legacy, is more than just a founder and CEO; she’s a catalyst for change. In addition to her pivotal role at Embrace Her Legacy, Maria also serves as the CEO of The Business Daycare, a boutique brand marketing agency dedicated to helping personal brands, entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofits thrive. As a women and girls leadership advocate, bilingual speaker, author, mentor, podcast host, and brand strategist, Maria is on a mission to empower individuals to craft lives that leave an indelible mark on the world.
Maria’s influence extends far beyond her organizations, with features in prestigious publications such as FORBES, ESSENCE magazine, and Latina.com, coupled with recognition through various accolades. Her transformative impact is not only evident in her extensive speaking engagements, surpassing 100 talks, but also in her acclaimed TEDx talk titled “A Time to Heal.”
Stepping away from a high-profile career in the music business, Maria redirected her trajectory to fulfill her purpose of educating and transforming the lives of women and girls. Referred to affectionately by clients and peers as the “Inspirational Homegirl,” Maria embodies the essence of leading a purpose-driven life, inspiring others to do the same.
Hailing proudly from Brooklyn, NY, and of Afro-Latin descent, Maria holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Hofstra University and earned her Executive Master’s of Public Administration from NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service as first-generation college graduate born to immigrant parents from Central America. Her contemporary approach blends faith, transparency, authenticity, humor, and positivity, creating a powerful message of transformation that resonates globally. Maria I. Melendez is not just a leader; she’s a force, shaping the narrative of personal and leadership development for women and girls around the world.
Dr. Elise Grace – Board Member
Dr. Elise Grace brings over 20 years of expertise in the pharmaceutical industry to her role as the Manufacturing Strategic Alliance Director at Merck & Co. In this capacity, she leads cross-company collaborations, ensuring the seamless execution of strategic goals. Dr. Grace holds a Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management from George Washington University, an MBA in Marketing, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering, both from Drexel University.
Her extensive experience spans vaccine manufacturing, supply chain management, strategic alliances, external manufacturing, and marketing operations. Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Grace is deeply committed to talent development, professional development, leadership roles in employee business resource groups and serving as the Board Liaison for the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME).
Outside of work, Dr. Grace is passionate about talent development and mentors and coaches students and early-career professionals. She is a Brooklyn, NY native currently residing outside of the Philadelphia area. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to beaches, spending time with family, and working out
Autumn Hargett – Junior Board Member
Autumn Hargett, CFLE – P is a graduate from the State University of New York, College at Oneonta where she received her bachelor’s of science in Human Development and Family Studies and dual minor in Educational Psychology and Women and Gender Studies. Currently, Autumn works for Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy enriching the youth in their academic, social, and personal endeavors. She is a proud sister of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and serves on the sorority’s National Council of Officers as the Regional Administrative Coordinator for Region 3: Western New York where she oversees 9 collegiate chapters and 2 graduate chapters. She also serves as the executive assistant secretary on the Board of Directors for the Castle Hill Resource Center, a non-profit whose mission is to support, advocate, and provide resources to address the diverse needs of their community. Through her emerging post-graduate career, Autumn has received certifications as a Family Life Educator and facilitator for Prepare/Enrich, the #1 premarital and marriage assessment tool, using evidence-based skills and insights to foster healthy relationships.
Autumn is a young woman on the borderline of facing the challenges of both millennial women and Generation Z girls’ experiences which makes her passion for Embrace Her Legacy’s mission even stronger. She is always looking for ways to better serve and educate her hometown community in the Boogie Down Bronx. Her heart, compassion, and soul is what drives her to advocate and speak out for the women and youth around her today.
Interested in joining our board of directors or other volunteer opportunities? Learn more here.