Speaker: Melisa Alaba, MA, LPC, CEO Of Vision Works Coaching, Breakthrough Coach & Therapist (BA, Psychology & MA, Psychology)

Moderator: Chidima Anusiem, VP, Retail Network Planner at PNC, Bestselling Author, Women’s Empowerment Speaker, and Life After Divorce Coach

Asking for help is never easy, according to alum and therapist Melisa Alaba — especially for women, people of color, and other communities who have learned to just keep things moving. Those who do ask for help often feel like they aren’t heard or understood.

Join the Women’s Leadership Council to talk about taking care of yourself and others during Mental Health Awareness Month. Melisa Alaba will discuss how the COVID-19 crisis and racial injustices have increased stressors for women. She’ll also share how women can prioritize their well-being and get support:

• Learn when it’s time to stop managing feelings on your own and talk it out.
• Discover how to access affordable providers who understand your unique cultural needs.
• Explore ways to lift the stigma around mental health issues in your community.
• Gain healing resources to use or share with others.

Melisa Alaba Bio

Melisa Alaba is the CEO of Vision Works Coaching and Counseling, Breakthrough Coach, Speaker, Published Author, Creator of the B’HEALED transformation process, Mama, and chocolate lover. Melisa is a licensed counselor with a Masters in Psychology from Roosevelt University.

Melisa is the author of Live Out Loud: 52 Ways to Reawaken Your Spirit and Live a Life of Purpose – was featured in the movie 72 Hours.

Mrs. Alaba’s  advice has been featured in Ebony Magazine, US News and World Report, Parents Magazine, Redbook, ABC online.

And she has made live appearances on Fox News and CBS as well as given talks at countless events.

For the past 20 years Melisa has coached hundreds of women of color to work through deep trauma, heal their wounds, have life-changing breakthroughs, and get to their next level. Melisa is an advocate of women’s rights, equal pay and financial liberation for women. When she is not working you can find her on a golf course, playing with her grandchildren or reading a good book.

Chidima Anusiem Bio

Chidima Anusiem is a Nigerian American born and raised in Atlanta, GA.

Chidima graduated with high honors from both Georgia State University with a B.S. degree in HR Policy & Development, and American Intercontinental University, where she obtained her MBA.

Post-graduation, Chidima obtained over 15 years of experience as a VP in Banking and Regional Management. Chidima climbed up the ladder quickly from a bank teller to an AVP Area Manager for a major financial institution, as well received several performance and achievement rewards. Currently, Chidima is a VP Retail Network Planner for PNC Bank.

Chidima is known for her down-to-earth vibes, and her innate ability to connect with women through various mediums. She has 10 years of experience as the CEO  & Lead Designer of the Chianu International women’s clothing line, and another 7 years as a  women’s dance instructor. Lastly, Chidima spent two years as the Director of Operations for the W.O.W.w.w.w. Women’s Ministry in Atlanta, GA.

Altogether, Chidima has over 20 years of experience developing and coaching women to discover their true value and self-worth.  She attributes her success and passion to her faith in God and the influence of her wonderful family.

Today, Chidima is a Women’s Empowerment Speaker, Life After Divorce Coach, host of “Author Chi Talks” on YouTube, and the #1 Bestselling Author of “From Glass Stone” where she shares her story of divorce and her transformational journey ‘From Pain to Power’. Chidima specializes in helping women win in their journey of divorce by assisting them with healing from their pain, rebuilding their lives from the inside out, and repositioning their hearts to love and receive love again.