Her Story
About Melanie
Melanie Stibick is an educator, legal professional, human rights advocate, and longtime community leader based in Madison, Wisconsin. With a diverse career spanning higher education, law, social justice, and aquatics, she has dedicated her work to advancing knowledge, equity, and community well-being. Melanie has served as a college professor at several universities and colleges across the United States, sharing her expertise in sociology and social issues with students while encouraging critical thinking and civic engagement.
Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from the University of Maryland College Park, a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a focus on race, class, and gender, and a law degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law. She passed the Wisconsin bar exam and has used her academic and legal background to support advocacy efforts related to civil rights, human rights, and social justice. Her scholarly work includes the publication of her master’s thesis on the anti-sweatshop movement, as well as articles exploring topics such as anti-racism and gender inequality.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Melanie has been a passionate advocate for human rights through her longtime involvement with Amnesty International since 1990. She founded and led Students Against Violence Everywhere and continues to support causes including homelessness advocacy, feeding underserved communities, and protecting individual rights. She has also maintained a lifelong commitment to health and service through her work as a lifeguard and swim instructor, beginning in 1993 and continuing to uphold CPR, first aid, and fitness certifications. Melanie attributes her success to the opportunities, scholarships, and support systems that helped shape her journey, as well as her dedication to lifelong learning, advocacy, and personal discipline.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to growing up in the D.C. area with lots of opportunities, receiving scholarships including a full academic scholarship to law school, securing funding for graduate school, and maintaining dedication to exercise throughout my life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was to pursue a career and major in something that I enjoy, instead of just going for the money.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do whatever feels best for you. Don't worry about money entirely as that would be impractical, but choose something that feels good for yourself and others and has a future.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In lifeguarding, there is a huge need especially in summer. In education, it was hard to get teaching jobs in the Midwest, but widening the field to include things like swimming lessons creates more opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value humanity, equality that all people are created equal, and treating people the way you want to be treated in return. These are humanitarian values.
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