We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Richardson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a combination of strong family support, early education, and a deep belief in myself and my abilities. Growing up in New Orleans, my mother’s optimism taught me to always see the silver lining, no matter the circumstances. Her influence instilled in me a resilience that has carried me through life’s challenges. My family, from my older brother to my younger cousins, has been a constant source of love and inspiration, helping me stay grounded and confident in who I am.
My early exposure to diverse educational environments also shaped my self-perception. From the Florida Housing Projects to public schools and an all girl Catholic run by the only order of Black nuns, I was constantly surrounded by reminders of the accomplishments of African-American leaders, which reinforced a sense of pride and belief in my potential. It wasn’t until I went to the University of Notre Dame that I realized I was considered a minority, but by then, my sense of worth was already well-established by my family and my experiences.
In adulthood, I’ve learned that my confidence doesn’t come from external validation but from the internal belief that I am loved, intelligent, and capable. I am Black, proud, and unshaken by how others might define me. Through my work fighting against structural inequities and empowering others, I’ve further built my self-esteem, realizing that my role is not just to support my own growth, but to help others recognize their power and potential as well.
All of these experiences—the love of my family, the strength of my education, and my work in service to others—have come together to shape a woman who stands firm in her worth and abilities.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Melanie Richardson, a proud native of New Orleans, and I am deeply committed to supporting families and children in the early stages of their development. Professionally, I am the co-founder and Executive Director of TrainingGrounds, a nonprofit organization that fills gaps in early childhood care and education. Our mission is to work closely with parents, caregivers, and educators to create high-quality learning experiences for children, especially those in their most formative years (birth to 5). Through our efforts, we aim to foster positive adult-child interactions and support healthy social-emotional, cognitive, and language development.
One of the most exciting parts of my work is the We PLAY Center, which we opened in 2017. It’s a free, accessible space where caregivers and children can learn and grow together. I am incredibly proud of this initiative because it reflects my belief in the power of early childhood education to shape the trajectory of children’s lives. The We PLAY Center is a place where we support adults in developing the skills and confidence they need to prepare their children to thrive.
TrainingGrounds has grown tremendously over the years, and it’s been inspiring to see how our work has positively impacted families and young children throughout the Greater New Orleans area. The intentional partnerships we’ve developed with other leading organizations have been a key part of this success, and I’m grateful for the collaborations that continue to help us expand our reach and impact.
In addition to my work at TrainingGrounds, I am deeply involved in my community, volunteering on numerous committees dedicated to child health and early childhood education, such as serving as a member of the Govenor’s Children’s Cabinet Infant Mental Health Subcommittee, Promise Ventures’ Studio’s Early Childhood Leaders of Color Steering Comimittee, and as an Implementation Partner for Geaux Far Louisiana.
As for the future, TrainingGrounds is continuing to expand its impact. We’re exploring new ways to engage families and caregivers, and we’re actively working on expanding our programs to serve more communities throughout Louisiana.
Ultimately, I am guided by my commitment to building strong foundations for children, and I live by the words of Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build strong boys and girls than to repair broken men and women.” It’s my belief that investing in parents today will create healthy and thriving children which contributes to a better future for all of us.
At the heart of everything I do is a deep passion for early childhood education, and I’m excited to continue growing and serving families in meaningful ways.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful are resilience, empathy, and a strong desire to build partnerships and collaborate with others.
1. Resilience: The ability to stay focused and persevere through challenges has been crucial. Building TrainingGrounds wasn’t easy, and there were many moments of doubt, but I kept moving forward. Resilience helped me stay grounded in my mission and trust the process, even when it felt like things weren’t progressing as quickly as I’d hoped.
2. Empathy: Working with families, especially in the early childhood education space, requires a deep sense of empathy. Understanding the experiences of the families we serve—listening to their needs, understanding their struggles, and genuinely caring about their well-being—has been key to building meaningful relationships and programs that make a real impact.
3. A Strong Desire to Build Partnerships and Collaborate with Others: One of the key factors in TrainingGrounds’ success has been the partnerships we’ve built with other organizations. Collaboration has allowed us to expand our reach, leverage resources, and learn from others. I’ve found that working together toward common goals often leads to greater impact than working alone.
Summary of Advice: If you’re early in your journey, my advice is to focus on developing resilience by embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and staying committed to your mission. Cultivate empathy by listening to others without judgment and striving to understand their unique experiences. Lastly, prioritize building partnerships and collaboration, as they can significantly amplify your impact. Surround yourself with a supportive network of people who share your vision, and don’t hesitate to reach out to others for guidance or partnership. Most importantly, trust that growth takes time and each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most profound impact my mother had on me was teaching me the transformative power of optimism, self-worth, and personal agency. She is, without a doubt, the most optimistic person I know, always urging me to find the silver lining, no matter how challenging the circumstances. She imparted to me the invaluable lesson that I hold the power to shape my own future, and that I must never allow myself to be constrained by those who cannot see or understand my aspirations. She also taught me the importance of generosity, instilling in me the belief that if you know someone is in need, you should not wait for them to ask for help — you should offer it willingly.
A defining moment in my life came when I attended the University of Notre Dame. For the first time, I found myself in a classroom with non-African American students and was told that I was considered a minority. I asked my mom why she had never shared this with me, and her response was simple yet powerful: it didn’t matter. What mattered was how I saw myself. She never wanted me to think that anyone had the right to define me or limit my potential. These profound lessons from my mother have shaped my confidence and my sense of self, guiding me in everything I do and empowering me to live with purpose, integrity, and an unwavering belief in my own worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myTGnola/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myTGnola
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie504/ – https://www.linkedin.com/company/traininggrounds-inc
- Twitter: [email protected]
- Youtube: [email protected]
Image Credits
These are not the pictures I would like to use. I could not access the folder with the pictures. Can I send you pictures in the next couple of days?
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
