VETTED transitions Veteran leaders into industry disruptors and entrepreneurs of tomorrow through a Veteran education platform in partnership with top MBA programs. Their vision is to strengthen the private sector with our nation’s military talent.
I wanted to share the work of Vetted as part of our Friday Feature: non profit leaders interview series because Dr Melgar-C’De Baca is inspiring in her own right, let alone the work that she is doing with VETTED Foundation!
Dr Alba Melgar-C’De Baca finds her own post-transition mission with VETTED Foundation
Very often we will speak to founders or CEOs during Feature Friday: Non Profit Leaders – but today we are speaking with a recently appointed Chief Operations Officer (COO). Leading large teams to get the mission completed is nothing new to this COO, and she even started with this organization as a recipient of their services. Vetted Foundation and its leadership believe in Veteran led solutions to veteran transition problems.
We’re speaking with Dr. Alba Melgar-C’De Baca.
VETTED Foundation identifies military talent for transition preparation and planning, executive education, and industry placement in the private sector. VETTED is creating the first State Model, the Texas Model, to serve as the launch pad for successful veteran transitions.
Dr., LTC (US Army Retired) Alba M. Melgar-C’De Baca is the COO for the VETTED Foundation. This 29-year veteran served in multiple positions from Air Traffic Control to Weapons of Mass Destruction, Logistics, Operations and Training including various combat deployments. While serving she earned her PhD in Business, was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Legion of Merit and built her own training and business development consulting company. Most recently Melgar-C’De Baca was the Executive Director for TEDxLadyBirdLake.
Tell us about you? What attracted you to the non profit sector, and/or to this non profit?
Dr. Melgar-C’De Baca: I’m a recently retired 29 year US Army veteran who wanted to continue to give back to the community. I saw first hand how this phenomenal program with a 93% placement rate made such a positive impact on transitioning veterans and resulted in one of the best talent pools for the private sector. My passion for education, growth and learning made VETTED a perfect fit.
Have you had a mentor or influential person in your life who encouraged you?
Dr. Melgar-C’De Baca: Absolutely! [My mentor] is my hero. Candid feedback and her constant push beyond my comfort zone changed my life forever.
If someone out there is developing a non profit organization what one piece of advice would you give them?
Dr. Melgar-C’De Baca: Make sure someone is not already doing what you seek to do or provide. If so, go volunteer with them instead. If not, be prepared to work very very hard at all facets of the organization. To hustle every day to improve the organization, seek out influencers, supporters, brand ambassadors and sponsors for a positive call to action.
Are there too many non profit organizations?
Dr. Melgar-C’De Baca: There might be some duplication of effort. Hence the advice to research before starting a non profit. Non profits are and can be more successful through stronger relationships and collaboration with each other. Give more than you receive.
What has been your greatest success?
Dr. Melgar-C’De Baca: Development and support of follow on VETTED Accelerated Management (AMP) cohorts.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Dr. Melgar-C’De Baca: Funding, marketing and brand recognition.
- What are the 2-3 most useful tools/resources in your work?
Dr. Melgar-C’De Baca: Active foundation board members and sponsors, a strong versatile team and incredibly talented fellows and interns.
[Anna’s note: I witnessed these interns in action at both TEDxLadyBirdLake and Career Strategy and Success Summit – they are outstanding, and demonstrated professional and competence that made these events extremely effective]
- How can people support your work?
Dr. Melgar-C’De Baca: Share and follow Vetted Foundation on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
Visit our website at http://vetted.org ; sponsor, buy a book or t-shirt [tshirts were designed by GruntStyle], volunteer, donate, introduce us to someone or company who we can help (transition program, for case studies or a career pipeline) or who can help us (through sponsorship, workshop, & mixers).
You can support the work of organizations like Vetted Foundation creatively
We really appreciate Dr Melgar C’De Baca taking the time to share her thoughts with us. There are lots of different ways to support the work of non-profits that don’t involve donating money. Considering giving some of your social media real estate, amplify the efforts and successes of organizations doing good work and look to donate your professional skills for tasks they need!
Share one of these takeaways on your social media platforms! Tell us what you learned from reading about Vetted Foundation and Dr. Alba Melgar C’De Baca?!
Takeaway #1:“Make sure someone is not already doing what you seek to do or provide. If so, go volunteer with them instead. If not, be prepared to work very very hard at all facets of the organization.”- Dr. Alba Melgar C’De Baca – @vetted
Takeaway #2: “Non profits are and can be more successful through stronger relationships and collaboration with each other. Give more than you receive” – @vetted
Takeaway #3: There are lots of different ways to support the work of non-profits that don’t involve donating money! Give some of your social media real estate, amplify their efforts and successes and look to donate skills! – @AMBRabe
Who would you like to see us interview? Share in the comments or tell us on Twitter!
Friday Feature: Non Profit Leadership is an ongoing series of interviews where we feature a leader making a difference in their community.