From Wall Street to State Policy Maker by way of Volunteer Mom

Meet Melita Love,  a Policy Associate on the California Policy Team for Children Now.  Here is her story:

Please describe your career path, how did you end up at Children Now?

I Graduated from college with a degree in Elementary education and taught for 3 years, but left teaching to earn my MBA in finance at NYU.   I worked in Global Finance and Foreign Exchange for 4 years before deciding to stay home with my son (and later daughter) in 1988.

After too many years of volunteering at my children's schools and other organizations, I decided I wanted to make more of an impact on children through advocacy and found Children Now in a book on socially responsible businesses (this was before Google and on-line searching!)  Because I had no background in public policy (everyone here has a  masters in the field), I offered my services as a volunteer.

For four years, I did research for their signature publications, The Report Card and County Data Book. I was so happy volunteering that I was hesitant about returning to work full time, but finally realized that I had plateaued in what I was learning as a volunteer and that to be an effective child advocate at Children Now, I would have to be on staff.

Having volunteered and demonstrated my commitment, reliability, etc, I was hired without the masters. I've been on staff now for one year and am gradually building some policy expertise which I love.  My most recent role has been to research and write a policy brief for state and local policymakers on early childhood educator professional development in California.

How much time did you take off from the workplace and what were those years like?

18 years. It was difficult in the beginning, I missed something.  Once I found Children Now and started volunteering 3 days a week, I felt more balance in my life. 

How did you successfully re-enter the workplace?

I began by volunteering at the same organization where I now work.  I knew them and they knew me.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career now?

I love knowing that I am helping to advance an agenda that will help the children of our state. I also appreciate that I am developing an expertise.

How important is networking to you?

It is very important in my new field of advocacy - early care and education (aka preschool and child care).

Do you have a mentor?

Not presently. I had one in the beginning and she was great! 

How do she support you?

She helped me think about my own professional development, suggesting seminars and conferences and the like.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience?

It felt wonderful to return to work.  I couldn't believe how much it boosted my self-confidence.  And there's nothing quite like getting your own paycheck, no matter how small. I will say, now that some of the novelty has worn off, I do miss having more time to see my friends. I think a four day work week would have been just about perfect.

Thank you Melita and best of luck with your work!