Melissa's journey is marked by a series of transformative experiences that led her to a life of adventure and empowerment. Her story begins with the overcast skies of Ireland, reminiscent of the movie "Gregory's Girl." Melissa returned to the US due to job opportunities and visa challenges in the UK, which opened the door for a career shift and personal growth. Melissa's involvement with Women Who Explore began as an ambassador and later evolved into co-ownership of the company. Women Who Explore offers adventure travel and a robust community, empowering women through outdoor activities and fostering a sense of independence and camaraderie. The organization hosts various adventures worldwide and maintains a strong social media presence with numerous local chapters facilitating engagement and support.
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In her role, Melissa organizes and hosts women-only trips where dedicated hosts ensure everything runs smoothly, from meals to logistics, allowing guests to fully relax. These trips address common pain points for women, who often act as caretakers and planners. She shared a touching story of a woman who initially struggled with not helping but eventually embraced being cared for. The trips provide emotional support, helping women overcome personal challenges, such as summiting Kilimanjaro or completing the Tour de Mont Blanc. Melissa and her co-founder Lindsay plan these trips based on their travel desires, making the business deeply personal.
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Melissa has traveled to diverse destinations, including New Zealand, Costa Rica, Kilimanjaro, and Croatia, often on sponsored trips. Future trips will be hosted by a solid group of women, offering travel opportunities they might not have had otherwise. One memorable moment was inspiring a woman, who had never created a bucket list due to financial constraints, to explore new destinations like France or Peru.