Melissa Hill Dees is an integrator, a collaborator, and an innovator. Melissa is the Founding Partner and VP of HandsOn Connect - a best-in-class, single-platform volunteer and donor engagement software that will expand your ability to manage, track and report on people, programs and projects in real time. Melissa is known as someone who is “truly committed to her work, the mission, and never satisfied with just getting by rather, she always pushed to expand her skills and leave the organizations and volunteers she worked with in a better place!” We were lucky enough to connect with Melissa briefly over her time in the Salesforce Community, and as a female leader:

Can you tell me a bit about what you do in the Salesforce Community and what your role is?

○ As a founding partner at HandsOn Connect Cloud Solutions, my role has been more of the "founder", i.e. whatever it takes to get the job done, during our startup years. As we are moving into the next phase, I am focusing more on customer success, strategic alliances, and innovation.

As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?

○ Barriers come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes we don't even recognize them. The most significant barrier for me, in recent years, has been unconscious bias--something I didn't even know existed until I started sharing my "Am I on Mute?" story.

Who inspires/inspired you and why?

○ Inspiration has come from a variety of places. My mother always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be. My father was my first ally. My spiritual mentor helped me realize my value. Gemma Blezard made me understand that I could be an architect. Sallie Krawcheck confirmed my suspicions about women's strengths. Rather than one person's huge influence, the right inspiration seems to appear just as I need it.

What are some of the characteristics of a good leader?

○ Top of my list for characteristics of good leaders are empathy, active listening, and fairness. These are characteristics that I am working to improve in my own interactions.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

○ My advice for the next generation of female leaders is to truly bring your whole self to your work. You have brilliant qualities that are critical to the success of your career, a company, or a project. Embrace your unique strengths. Be confident that you are valuable.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

○ My proudest accomplishment is a journey: scaling my ability to create more good in the world. This is a goal that I have worked on, specifically and definitively, since 2015. It's made up of many smaller pieces and continues to grow.

Where will we find you on a Saturday morning at 10 a.m.?

○ On a Saturday morning at 10 am, I may still be in bed! Or, I might be doing something fun with my daughter. Sometimes I'm visiting a Salesforce Saturday. Variety is the spice of life.