Keynote Speaker

Dr. Shekila Melchior is a scholar-activist-practitioner, licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and nationally recognized speaker whose work bridges mental health, social justice, organizational well-being, and healing-centered leadership. She serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships, and Outreach in the Office for Access, Compliance, and Community at George Mason University, where she leads initiatives designed to strengthen institutional collaboration, community engagement, shared sense of belonging, and collective well-being.

Dr. Melchior brings more than a decade of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, families, and helping professionals across clinical, educational, and community settings. Licensed in both Virginia and Tennessee, she has also delivered more than 100 presentations, trainings, and keynote addresses for universities, professional associations, behavioral health organizations, and community partners. Her areas of expertise include burnout and sustainable well-being, somatic and trauma-responsive practices, culturally responsive care, and healing-centered approaches to leadership and organizational culture.

Dr. Melchior is also the founder and owner of Mindful Legacy: a mental health practice providing culturally responsive counseling with a focus on non-western ways of healing in addition to leadership development, consultation, and holistic wellness experiences. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and a master’s degree in School Counseling.