Graduate Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
Melody Timinsky
Summer 2015 Archer Fellow
Internship: The Population Institute
Education
The University of Texas at Dallas
Ph.D. Public Affairs; Fall 2017
University of Dallas
M.B.A.; December 1988
University of Arkansas
Theoretical Math; January 1980
Career
Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Northwest Arkansas
Summer 2015 Archer Fellow
Internship: The Population Institute
Education
The University of Texas at Dallas
Ph.D. Public Affairs; Fall 2017
University of Dallas
M.B.A.; December 1988
University of Arkansas
Theoretical Math; January 1980
Career
Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Northwest Arkansas
“My work involves addressing community issues with a variety of stakeholders including government officials at the local, state and federal levels. Because of my experience as an Archer Fellow, I have deeper understanding of how to secure and coordinate resources, as well as strategies for influencing policies."
Q & A with Melody
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
Overall, my role is to be a leader of impact in creating a strong, vibrant community in Northwest Arkansas. I work with many colleagues and partners to assess the needs of the community, collaborate on solutions, and identify resources to make those solutions a reality. The United Way's current focus is addressing the issue of children living in poverty, which is significant in our community. Another area of responsibility is overseeing direct services like our 2-1-1 program, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and our Free Tax Services Initiative. We also just launched Achieving Community Together NWA, which is a collaborative of experienced nonprofit executives to build the capacity of smaller nonprofits to have greater impact through training and coaching.
What has been your general career path?
My career path has been more atypical because I love learning and immersing myself in various sectors. During the first half of my career, I worked in the corporate sector and was fortunate to work for successful companies in various industries including technology, consumer package goods and transportation. My experience in the corporate sector established a good foundation of business disciplines that I continue to use even now. When my daughters were in school, I shifted gears, stepped away from the corporate world and got very involved as a community volunteer serving on a variety of nonprofit boards. During that time I was elected and served nine years as a school board trustee. When I re-entered the workforce, my career path led me to serve as a nonprofit executive, first as COO of an arts education organization working with low-income children, then as a CEO of a statewide human services organization working with the most vulnerable in our society. In my current role, I get to blend all of these career experiences into strengthening a community from where I started my adult life.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
My work involves addressing community issues with a variety of stakeholders including government officials at the local, state and federal levels. Because of my experience as an Archer Fellow, I have a deeper understanding of how to secure and coordinate resources, as well as strategies for influencing policies.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
Having the opportunity to experience the many incredible and diverse events offered in the D.C area. I made a point to attend events at a variety of think tanks to broaden my understanding of policies from different perspectives. The same was true for participating in cultural events, because there are few places to experience the customs, foods and arts of so many nations. Through each of these events, I gained many contacts and several new friends that I cherish.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
You are never to old to be an Archer Fellow!
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
Being part of a network of very accomplished professionals with a shared commitment to making a positive impact in this world.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
That's like asking who is your favorite child. I have so many favorite memories, it's hard to choose!
Do you have advice for prospective students?
Be open to trying new experiences, gaining new perspectives and cultivating new friends.
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
Overall, my role is to be a leader of impact in creating a strong, vibrant community in Northwest Arkansas. I work with many colleagues and partners to assess the needs of the community, collaborate on solutions, and identify resources to make those solutions a reality. The United Way's current focus is addressing the issue of children living in poverty, which is significant in our community. Another area of responsibility is overseeing direct services like our 2-1-1 program, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and our Free Tax Services Initiative. We also just launched Achieving Community Together NWA, which is a collaborative of experienced nonprofit executives to build the capacity of smaller nonprofits to have greater impact through training and coaching.
What has been your general career path?
My career path has been more atypical because I love learning and immersing myself in various sectors. During the first half of my career, I worked in the corporate sector and was fortunate to work for successful companies in various industries including technology, consumer package goods and transportation. My experience in the corporate sector established a good foundation of business disciplines that I continue to use even now. When my daughters were in school, I shifted gears, stepped away from the corporate world and got very involved as a community volunteer serving on a variety of nonprofit boards. During that time I was elected and served nine years as a school board trustee. When I re-entered the workforce, my career path led me to serve as a nonprofit executive, first as COO of an arts education organization working with low-income children, then as a CEO of a statewide human services organization working with the most vulnerable in our society. In my current role, I get to blend all of these career experiences into strengthening a community from where I started my adult life.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
My work involves addressing community issues with a variety of stakeholders including government officials at the local, state and federal levels. Because of my experience as an Archer Fellow, I have a deeper understanding of how to secure and coordinate resources, as well as strategies for influencing policies.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
Having the opportunity to experience the many incredible and diverse events offered in the D.C area. I made a point to attend events at a variety of think tanks to broaden my understanding of policies from different perspectives. The same was true for participating in cultural events, because there are few places to experience the customs, foods and arts of so many nations. Through each of these events, I gained many contacts and several new friends that I cherish.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
You are never to old to be an Archer Fellow!
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
Being part of a network of very accomplished professionals with a shared commitment to making a positive impact in this world.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
That's like asking who is your favorite child. I have so many favorite memories, it's hard to choose!
Do you have advice for prospective students?
Be open to trying new experiences, gaining new perspectives and cultivating new friends.
