Women in Transition

Melody Abedinejad is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leader in the Fortune 500. With certifications in DEI, Conflict Management and Mediation, and Teaching/Training, Melody meets people where they are, helping them navigate the unknown in their DEIB journeys. She believes in being an ally, advocate, and accomplice, in the workplace and beyond.

Her journey in diversity and inclusion began upon birth to a family of Iranian immigrants. Growing up in a predominantly white suburb of Boston, Melody often didn’t look, feel, talk, act, or share the same belief systems or reference points as her peers. Rather than retreat, she welcomed all into her circle, creating a mindset that continued on into her career where she was awarded for community building, advocacy, and allyship.

Melody is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, she is a volunteer with Dress for Success Boston, lifelong bass trombonist, world-ranked axe thrower (www.axescores.com), and mom to two very handsome cats.

Connect with Melody on LinkedIn or through her consulting company at Korsi.

Nancy Dewar is a consultant who is known as a Trusted Advisor, Executive Coach and Master Facilitator. Her global experience and years of leading and managing teams sets her up well to support leaders as they navigate through changing times. She is a Certified Executive Leadership Coach, PCC and Learning Strategist with a Master of Education and is a Certified Sales Professional, CSP. Her goal is to inspire women to the next level of greatest by her coaching programs and Podcast under her Inspiring You Brand.

With a background in Coaching, Facilitation, Marketing and Business Development Nancy has a wealth of experience to draw from when working with clients and engaging audiences. Nancy’s specialty focus is on helping Women in Business and is a mentor at the Network of Executive Women.

Nancy has held several senior level positions and led several corporate coaching and learning initiatives. She specializes in leadership development, culture transformation, change management, motivation and mindfulness and has industry experience to include hospitality, automotive, consumer package goods, retail, and pharmaceutical. She is certified with the Learning Styles Inventory, Hogan Assessments, Predictive Index Assessment, and is EQi 2.0 certified.

With a high energy warm engaging style Nancy has captivated international audiences. Having worked globally facilitating in Spain, Brazil, England, Germany, Thailand, China, Mexico and the U.S. Nancy has run several in person and virtual summits and has recently been certified as a virtual facilitator. Nancy’s passion is to help inspire others to their next level and is the founder of Inspiring You Events.

She has written a book “Coaching 101- A Simplified Guide to Coaching in Business” and launched her second book in July 2021 called “One Wild and Precious Life” and has led several keynote addresses for corporate events.

Megan Rand is the Personal Care Category Merchant at BJ’s Wholesale Club.  Megan had the opportunity to transform the personal health care business over the last 3 years to better serve members.  Increased focus on being and staying healthy has dramatically changed the way consumers are shopping and what they are looking to buy.  She worked closely with data partners and vendors to reinvent the assortment and the way it’s presented in Club.

Prior to Megan’s role in Personal Health she was the Manager of Planning and Allocation at BJ’s working to improve CPFR relationships with vendor partners.  Her time in Logistics started at TJX where she learned an off-price business model then transitioned to Staples where Megan worked on financial and demand planning.  Over the years she worked with a variety of businesses that include Footwear, Technology, Office Supplies, and Consumable products.

Megan attended Rising Stars, with the Network of Executive Woman, and several other development workshops which sparked her interest in personal growth.  She is on the Woman’s Forum at BJ’s which is focused on creating and cultivating personal and professional growth, helping participates with career goals and advancement.

Megan is also a mom to Lola and Sophie and an adopted dog, Amelia.  Megan volunteers as a Girl Scout troop leader where she prioritizes building girl’s confidence and curiosity.  Her other pastimes are reading, painting, and visiting museums.

Connect with Megan on LinkedIn.