The International Association of Women has named Melody Nolan, founding director of TreasureLives, to its VIP Influencer of the Year Circle. She joins the circle as a 2018-2019 inductee, according to an announcement dated March 6, 2018.
Nolan started TreasureLives to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health issues. She calls herself a natural advocate and a creative problem solver.
Her own path shaped that work. Nolan lives with disabilities, and in a member profile she said she once let her conditions define her life. Later, she learned to build her life around them instead, and she now feels she is on the career path that fits her.
She has also credited others for their help along the way. In particular, she named Rebecca Lombardo of Voices4Change as the person who influenced her most.
The VIP Influencer of the Year Circle is one of the ways the association recognizes members for their leadership. The group was founded in Chicago in 2017 and operates as a division of Professional Diversity Network. Its network links professional women so they can connect, support each other and share ideas.