Why MELI Matters
Too many young people have talent, potential, and dreams—but lack access to mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities. MELI exists to bridge that gap and help young people discover the power already within them.
Equip young people to lead their lives with confidence and purpose.
Milwaukee Empowerment & Leadership Initiative (MELI), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people with the confidence, skills, knowledge, and support they need to lead successful lives and positively impact their communities.
We serve youth and young adults ages 17–24 in Milwaukee and surrounding communities, with an emphasis on expanding access for young people in underserved communities. At this stage of life, decisions about education, work, money, and relationships can shape the years ahead. MELI helps young people approach those decisions with greater self-awareness, practical preparation, and people they can turn to for support.
Ignite the Power Within.
Lead What’s Next.
Every young person brings a story, strengths, and possibilities. Our work begins by helping them recognize that their voice matters and that they have a role in shaping their own future.
At MELI, leadership starts with everyday choices: speaking up for yourself, following through on a commitment, asking for help, managing your resources, and taking a step toward a meaningful goal. These skills matter in school, at work, at home, and in the community.
A leadership title may be part of a young person’s future. Our broader purpose is to help each person build the confidence and judgment to make intentional choices and define success on their own terms.
Learning that connects to real life.
MELI brings personal growth together with practical skills young people can use as they prepare for their next chapter.
Our Empowerment & Leadership Workshop explores finding your voice, building confidence, understanding your purpose, and preparing for future opportunities. Financial literacy and career readiness connect that personal growth to budgeting, resumes, interviews, professional communication, and action planning.
The Future Leader Academy, currently in development, extends this work into a six-month experience with interactive learning, mentoring, exposure experiences, and a Community Impact Project. Its guiding message is “Lead Yourself. Define Your Future.”
Explore MELI’s programs →Opportunity grows through relationships.
Young people benefit when families, mentors, educators, community organizations, and supporters help make opportunities accessible.
MELI builds these connections through community outreach, resource events, and conversations with organizations serving youth and families. Those relationships help us introduce our programs, learn about community needs, and explore ways to bring relevant expertise and experiences to young people.
We welcome collaborators who want to share their time, knowledge, resources, or connections in support of the next generation.
Find your place at MELI →
Founder & President
Dr. Deborah L. Dula
Because sometimes, someone believing in you can change what you believe is possible.
Dr. Deborah L. Dula started MELI because she believes young people are talented and full of potential. Sometimes, they need someone who sees that potential, takes the time to nurture it, and helps them recognize the power they already carry within.
For Dr. Dula, that belief is personal. She wants young people to feel seen, encouraged, and supported as they discover who they are and what they can become. MELI is her way of creating space for that discovery: a place to ask questions, build confidence, find their voice, and take the next step with someone in their corner.
Her commitment is grounded in more than 35 years of military and federal government service. Her professional background spans executive leadership, leadership and professional development, workforce development, organizational strategy, program oversight, mentoring, and organizational management. She brings that experience to MELI with a focus on helping young people recognize their strengths and put them to use in their own lives.
She founded MELI to help bridge the gap between the talent young people already have and the mentorship, development, and opportunities they need to put it into action. The organization’s work reflects a clear conviction: young people deserve support as they discover their strengths, find their voice, and decide what comes next.
As Founder & President, Dr. Dula leads MELI’s program development and community engagement. Through workshops, the developing Future Leader Academy, and relationships across Milwaukee, she is building opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and take ownership of their futures.
MELI’s message captures that purpose: Ignite the Power Within. Lead What’s Next.
Connect with MELI ↗