NCBLCMHC Executive Director Melonie Davis Graduates From Diversity Leadership Program

Melonie Davis MA, NCC, LCMHCA, the Executive Director of the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (NCBLCMHC), recently graduated from the Other Voices Diversity Leadership program offered by the Greensboro [North Carolina] Chamber of Commerce. 

The program, which runs from September through April, is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion through its community-building curriculum, according to the chamber’s website.  

“Since its establishment, Other Voices has been dedicated to significantly improving human relations, particularly race relations, in Greensboro,” Davis says. “To date, over 690 individuals have participated in Other Voices, driven by their commitment to the program’s vision and its potential impact on our community.” 

Davis was one of 28 members of Class 31 of Other Voices. Participants represented diverse backgrounds in terms of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, and political affiliations, Davis says.  

“During our sessions, we discussed challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as their intersections with work and community dynamics. We addressed taboo subject matters and explored ways to improve our community. Each month, we covered a new topic, such as socioeconomic challenges, racism, sexism, ageism, concerns related to religion, sexual identity, and immigration status, to name a few.  

“We delved into cultures and practices different from our own, engaging in vulnerable conversations,” Davis continues. “Additionally, we learned about significant historical moments in the city of Greensboro and discussed how to integrate these lessons into our respective workspaces.” 

Davis began her career with the NBCC Foundation in 2019 as a Professional Development Coordinator and was later promoted to Program Manager. In 2022, she became the Executive Director of the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (NCBLCMHC). She received a bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy from Winston-Salem State University and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Wake Forest University. 

The Other Voices program provided an enriching opportunity for Davis to form meaningful friendships with people she may not have otherwise met and was a safe, nonjudgmental space to engage in challenging discussions and broaden her perspectives. She looks forward to applying what she’s learned in her career and her community, she says. 

“My aspiration is to continue supporting programs like Other Voices that foster community connections. I aim to advocate for marginalized and vulnerable populations and dismantle barriers to social and civic progress. The mission of the NCBLCMHC is to regulate the activities of individuals providing counseling services to ensure the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. As a counselor and Executive Director of the N.C. Board, I recognize the importance of ensuring that my staff feel valued, heard, and celebrated for their uniqueness and individual experiences. 

“Furthermore, it's crucial for the counseling profession to have individuals from diverse backgrounds so that our communities have access to culturally sensitive and competent professionals who can effectively serve those in need of clinical mental health services,” Davis says. “I am committed to being a leader who continuously learns and grows with compassion and empathy, serving as a connector in my community through servant leadership.” 

Participating in the OV program gave Davis “a profound sense of accomplishment,” she says. “As a ‘military brat’ who moved frequently during childhood, it was important to me to provide a sense of community for my own children. I wanted my son to have ‘roots,’ and since moving to Greensboro in 2009, I have chosen this city as my home.” 

Davis is committed to being a change-maker in her community.  

“Though I sometimes joke about being a ‘transplant,’ I feel a deep connection to the city of Greensboro. Having completed the program, I feel more equipped as a leader and am incredibly excited to continue learning and growing.”