This episode of the Power of the Ask podcast features executive, attorney, team builder and management strategist Melissa Norden, JD, CEO of NYC-based nonprofit Bottomless Closet.

As a passionate nonprofit executive with strong business acumen, Melissa has guided small and large organizations for more than 20 years. She distills complex business issues into creative, pragmatic, actionable solutions. She focuses on building and navigating diverse stakeholder relationships and developing high-performance teams.

On the #podcast, Melissa:

💠 Shares her passion for helping disadvantaged women access the tools they need to feel successful and empowered.

💠 Explains the mission of Bottomless Closet and the advocacy and support they have given to more than 25,000 women.

💠 Discusses the importance of teaching women financial management skills so they can first move up, and then model that knowledge for their children.
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Melissa celebrates small victories and cultivates optimism in the women served by Bottomless Closet. “Seeing success around you,” she says, “inspires you to strive for your own. Without self-confidence and self-worth, it’s hard to project that to others.” Her inspiring story makes this Power of the Ask episode a great listen. [LINK]

Melissa Norden, JD, Bio: Melissa is an executive, attorney, and strategist dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women. With over 20 years of experience, she has led small and large organizations, offering creative and actionable solutions. As CEO of NYC-based Bottomless Closet, she builds diverse stakeholder relationships and high-performance teams.

Melissa earned her JD from Brooklyn Law School and transitioned to the nonprofit sector, spending 13 years with the ASPCA, where she managed a $170 million organization with over 700 employees. For the past eight years, she has led Bottomless Closet, helping women achieve self-sufficiency through interview attire selection, resume reviews, interview coaching, and professional development workshops.

Melissa’s solutions-focused approach and dedication to helping others drive her passion.

Overview
Introduction to Melissa Norden 00:00:00
Tell Us About Bottomless Closet 00:03:01
What Inspired You? 00:11:25
What Does Transformation Mean to You? 00:15:30
What Story Inspired You the Most? 00:20:00
Bringing Positivity Forward 00:24:03
The Impact of Feeling Confident 00:27:57
Money & Finances For Women 00:31:13