Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa Stephanski is a leadership coach, speaker, and workshop trainer based in Kentucky. After nearly 30 years in public education, including serving as a school principal since 2002 and retiring as assistant superintendent, she transitioned into leadership development. She earned an undergraduate degree as a PE teacher, a master's degree in school counseling from Western Kentucky University around 2000, a Rank I in school counseling, and an EdD in educational leadership from Western Kentucky University, which she defended in 2022. Stephanski also holds certifications as Director of Pupil Personnel, instructional supervisor, and superintendency. In her current role, she delivers in-person and virtual coaching, keynotes, and workshops to administrative teams, principals, and leaders in education, business, and healthcare, focusing on building capacity and helping individuals step into their full potential. She is a member of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators and Kentucky Women in Educational Leadership, and has received honors including selection for Kentucky Women in Educational Leadership, Today's Leader award, and the Bowling Green Women's Commission Award. Stephanski attributes her success to a servant heart, family support, and a belief in championing potential in others, and she volunteers by teaching preschool Sunday school at her church.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a true understanding that I was put on this earth for more than just being here, always having that heart of giving. I was blessed to have great teachers that poured into me and a family that supported me. My parents valued education and my grandfather believed I could do anything. Having people around me that believed in me allowed me to believe in myself and pour belief into others, whether students, staff, or principals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to always keep that servant heart and servant mindset. That has taken me a lot of places. Also, to whom much has been given, much is expected. Owning that and understanding I have been blessed with experiences and opportunities and have a responsibility to give back the same.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not put a ceiling on yourself, and do not let others put a ceiling on you. I was the only female at the executive table but wanted to be a contributing team member, not just there because I was female. As women, we have to get out of the mindset of competing with other women. We have to pull together and help each other up. What if we were helping people step on our shoulders to climb above us? That is an accolade for us.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is finance and uncertainty in education due to federal government changes, leading to schools holding onto dollars and opting for free or on-the-fly professional development instead of experts. AI usage is another issue. The opportunity is in coaching and embedded, job-embedded professional learning where coaches help develop leaders with real-time issues, without adding to already full plates.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, building relationships, being understanding and empathetic, honesty, confidentiality, caring, wanting the best for other people. In leadership roles: vision, being good communicators, decision makers, integrity. As a coach, building trust and relationships before nudging people to step into their full potential.
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