“An inspirational leader doesn’t just point the way; they awaken courage, purpose and possibility in others.” —Melinda Morrison Gulick
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community?
Honoring achievement recognizes the hard work, dedication, innovation and perseverance that drive individuals and organizations forward. It celebrates success and reinforces the values that strengthen not only our economy but our community as a whole. When people feel their contributions are seen and appreciated, they are more likely to remain engaged, motivated and committed to excellence.
Ultimately, honoring achievement is about more than recognition for one individual or business. It is about building a stronger, more connected business community where success is celebrated, leadership is encouraged and everyone is inspired to make a positive impact for the betterment of the Valley.
When we celebrate those who make a difference, we reinforce the values that contribute to economic growth, innovation and our quality of life.
What is the single most important thing you have learned throughout your career that would inspire others/other women?
My favorite quote is, “It will all be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
To me, this quote represents not only feeling peaceful in the moment but also the perseverance to keep moving forward. In my early 40s, my family and my career, which had been at a pinnacle, fell apart. My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I had an infant and a toddler and I took a severance package from an amazing company where I had a thriving career. Piece by piece, I put my family, our life and my career back together. This time of deep reflection helped me find and focus on a career that I find deeply fulfilling for my brain and my heart.
I say often, “This is not the story I would have written, but it is a beautiful and joyful story.” I will make it so.
What do you think we can do – now – to make a difference for young people/women in Arizona?
We must recognize that the child-care crisis is a workforce issue disproportionally impacting women. Too many mothers are forced to choose between advancing their careers and finding high-quality, affordable and accessible child care. That choice derails careers, reduces family income and, hence, economic stability, and limits the leadership pipeline for Arizona.
We can treat child care as essential infrastructure, encourage employers to offer meaningful child care benefits and flexibility, support families with affordable options and invest in early childhood educators. High-quality child care is support for today’s workforce and an investment in our future workforce as well. Children who participate in high-quality early childhood programs have higher academic achievements and economic outcomes, ensuring they’ll be ready for the jobs of the future.
We have to build and support a sustainable system that makes it possible for women to thrive at work and at home.
In Few Words
- What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? I am a graduate of both Scottsdale Leadership and Valley Leadership.
- I highly recommend both! What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Others would say I am calm in the face of chaos. Steadfast.
- What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? I could be more efficient, and I could say “no” more often!
- What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? I am perpetually optimistic and solution oriented.
- What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Investing in the education continuum from early childhood, K-12, CTE, Higher Ed to non-traditional workforce pathways is the single most important issue facing Arizona today and in our future.
About Me
Melinda Morrison Gulick serves as the chief executive officer of First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency. Previously, Gulick served on the executive team at DMB Associates for 14 years, responsible for operations, communications, marketing, human resources and community affairs.
Gulick is active in the community, including serving on the executive committee for the Scottsdale Area Chamber and as a past officer of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Arizona Humane Society, Scottsdale Charro Foundation and PANDA. In 2020, she was inducted into Scottsdale’s History Hall of Fame.
Gulick holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University.
