Her Story
About Dr. Mel
Dr. Mel Tavares brings more than four decades of experience as a public speaker and 25 years as a writer and publisher to her work as an author, speaker, counselor, and coach. Her background in mental health counseling led her to direct 501 organizations supporting youth and families while also serving in local church ministry with a large youth group and Christian education programs. Motivated by a deep concern for families in crisis, she earned a doctorate and launched Family Legacy Builders, an organization dedicated to creating awareness, providing parenting resources, and addressing the youth mental health crisis through training, chapters, and accessible tools for parents and grandparents.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Mel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think you have to have the heartbeat and passion for what you're doing. In order to level up, I've had to take more classes, do more things, learn. Everything I've done has been that single mission of, listen, families are in crisis, where all the struggling are. And if I have knowledge of how to help somebody, why wouldn't I do that? That has kept me motivated.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For counseling, there is such a need. We are in a massive mental health crisis, particularly the youth culture. Whoever is going to be in that role needs to really stay on the cutting edge of what's happening because it's evolving literally by the week. For entrepreneurship, find business mentors who can help you scale your business.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.