Melissa A. Rivers
Melissa A. Rivers
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Sometimes life changes gradually. Other times, everything changes in a moment.
President & Founder
Melissa is a strategist, coach, author, facilitator, and advocate who believes that surviving should not be the finish line. As Founder and President of HER Path Forward, Inc., she is committed to helping women navigate the space between “I made it through” and “I’m ready to build my next chapter.”
Melissa brings extensive experience in change management, process improvement, operational excellence, conflict resolution, leadership development, and coaching. She is a Lean Six Sigma professional, Certified Change Manager, Certified Personal & Executive Coach, Certified Oncology Patient Navigator, and experienced facilitator. She holds a Master’s degree in Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Her commitment to HER Path Forward is both professional and personal. Her own experiences navigating significant life and career transitions shaped her belief that resilience isn't always about returning to who you were. Sometimes it means having the courage and support to discover who you are becoming.
Through HER Path Forward, Melissa is building a community where women navigating health challenges, divorce and loss, workforce reentry, career transitions, and other life-changing circumstances can access the resources, education, encouragement, and connections they need to heal, evolve, and rise.
Shawnrica Smith
Shawnrica Smith
Vice President
Shawnrica brings strategic thinking, operational expertise, collaboration, and a passion for empowering others to her role as Vice President of HER Path Forward, Inc.
Professionally, she provides records analysis expertise to federal government agencies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, evaluating complex information and implementing strategies for physical, electronic, and multimedia records. Her work has strengthened her ability to navigate regulations, solve problems, protect sensitive information, and translate complex requirements into effective actions.
She holds a Master's degree in Acquisition and Contract Management and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. A lifelong learner and believer in infinite possibilities, Shawnrica is committed to improving processes creating meaningful impact, and helping others discover their purpose.
As Vice President, she brings the strategic judgment, operational mindset, and collaborative leadership needed to help HER Path Forward grow sustainably while advancing its mission of helping women heal, evolve and rise.
Robin Taylor
Robin Taylor
Financial Secretary
A dedicated educator, community leader, and advocate for service, Robin brings a wealth of experience in education, financial stewardship, organizational leadership, and community engagement to her role as Financial Secretary of HER Path Forward, Inc.
Her professional background includes serving as an educator in both public schools and private organizations, including Kumon of America, where she supports academic development and student success.
Throughout her years of community service, she has held numerous leadership and financial positions within the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOE of W). Her service includes roles as Past Grand Daughter Ruler (PGDR), Financial Secretary of Rainbow Temple, Financial Secretary of the NCSA Medical Department, Financial Secretary of Progressive Council 101, and NCSA Trustee. These responsibilities reflect her commitment to accountability, responsible financial management, and organizational excellence.
Beyond her professional and fraternal affiliations, she is an enthusiastic community connector, serving as a Community Service Coordinator and organizer of the Do What We Do Bowling Group. Affectionately known as the “Grand Princess of the Rose Hill Community,” she embraces opportunities to bring people together, celebrate relationships, and strengthen her community.
As Financial Secretary of HER Path Forward, Inc., she brings a spirit of service, organizational experience, and a commitment to financial accountability that supports the organization’s mission of helping women heal, evolve, and rise into their next chapter.
Her leadership reflects a simple but powerful belief: When we serve with purpose, strengthen our communities, and invest in others, we create opportunities for everyone to move forward.
HER Path Forward, Inc. is a not for profit, charitable organization formed to serve the community.
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