Check Out Melodie Rosser’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melodie Rosser.

Hi Melodie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was convicted as a teenager and spent 20 years incarcerated in Georgia. While in prison, I made a decision that my circumstances would not define my future. I committed myself to personal growth, completed educational and vocational programs, earned professional certifications, and supported other women on their journeys.

When I returned home, I faced many of the challenges that come with rebuilding a life after incarceration, but I remained focused on creating a better future. In 2022, I joined Women on the Rise and have since advanced through several leadership positions to become the Campaigns and Membership Supervisor. Today, I oversee membership development, organizational operations, and advocacy campaigns that support women impacted by the criminal legal system.

My lived experience drives my passion for justice reform, civic engagement, and helping women successfully transition home. In 2026, I became a first-time voter and the first person in my family to become a homeowner—milestones that represent the power of second chances and community support. My goal is to continue building pathways for others while working to create lasting change across Georgia.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Spending 20 years incarcerated meant missing important milestones with family, friends, and the world around me. One of the hardest parts was losing loved ones while I was away. My mother and all of my aunts passed away during my incarceration, and I was not able to attend any of their funerals. Those are moments you can never get back, and the grief stays with you.

While many people focus on the challenges of prison, few talk about how difficult freedom can be. No one warns you how strange freedom feels after being gone for so long. No one tells you how overwhelming it can be to walk into a grocery store and be faced with hundreds of choices, or how being around family can sometimes feel like being around strangers because so much time has passed.

Returning home came with the challenge of rebuilding relationships, learning new technology, and navigating barriers that many formerly incarcerated people face when seeking housing, employment, and opportunities. I also had to overcome self-doubt and learn to trust my voice as a leader. Public speaking, media interviews, and advocacy work pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but each opportunity helped me grow.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that obstacles do not have to define your future. Through perseverance, community support, and a commitment to continuous growth, I have been able to transform challenges into opportunities to serve others and advocate for meaningful change.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the Campaigns and Membership Supervisor at Women on the Rise, I oversee membership development, organizational operations, and advocacy campaigns that support women impacted by the criminal legal system. My work includes building leadership among formerly incarcerated women, coordinating statewide advocacy efforts, and creating pathways for civic engagement, reentry support, and policy change.

I am most proud of transforming my lived experience into a tool for leadership and service. After spending 20 years incarcerated, I returned home determined to help others navigate the challenges of reentry and build meaningful opportunities for themselves. Since joining Women on the Rise in 2022, I have advanced through multiple leadership roles while helping grow programs, strengthen membership engagement, and amplify the voices of directly impacted women.

What sets me apart is that I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work. I understand the barriers people face because I have lived them myself. When I step into a room with lawmakers, agency leaders, and decision-makers who are shaping policies that affect formerly and currently incarcerated people, I bring a perspective that cannot be learned from a report or research study. I am often the subject matter expert in the room because I have lived the realities being discussed. My experience allows me to connect policy to real-life consequences and ensure that the voices of directly impacted people are represented in conversations where critical decisions are being made.

My goal is not only to create change but to ensure that those closest to the issues are leading the conversations and shaping the solutions. Through advocacy, leadership development, and community organizing, I work to help build a future where women returning home have access to the opportunities, support, and dignity they deserve.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that mentors do not always come in the form of one person. Throughout my journey, I have learned from supervisors, coaches, fellow organizers, and other formerly incarcerated women who were willing to share their knowledge and experiences. I believe finding a mentor starts with being willing to learn, asking questions, and remaining open to feedback.

What has worked best for me is building genuine relationships rather than focusing only on networking. Some of the most valuable connections I have made came from showing up consistently, volunteering for opportunities, and being willing to learn from people with different experiences and perspectives. I have also learned the importance of seeking mentors who will challenge you, not just encourage you.

My advice is to never be afraid to reach out to someone you admire. Most people are willing to share their knowledge when they see that you are committed to growth. At the same time, remember that mentorship is a two-way relationship. Be willing to listen, do the work, and apply what you learn. The relationships I have built through mentorship have played a significant role in both my personal growth and professional development.

Pricing:

• Speaking engagements -contact for rates
• Advocacy & Reentry Training -contact for rates
• Panel Discussion & Workshops -contact for rates
• Keynote Speaking Engagements- contact for rates
• leadership & Lived Experience Workshops- contact for rates

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Melodie Rosser
• LinkedIn: Melodie Rosser (Melthefree)