FORGE Leadership

Melinda Lowe serves as the Executive Director of FORGE, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building career readiness and expanding skilled-trades opportunities for Mississippi students. With more than 30 years of experience in education and program leadership, Melinda guides FORGE’s mission, oversees signature events like the FORGE Your Path Career Expo, Career Interview Day, FORGE Ahead Leadership Summit, and BuildHER Girls Construction Camp, and supports the growth of new FORGE chapters across the state.

Prior to joining FORGE, Melinda spent 11 years as the Director of Outreach & Innovation at Mississippi University for Women and more than 16 years working in the Columbus Municipal School District. Her career includes extensive work in curriculum design, teacher leadership, community programming, and youth development.

Email: mlowe@forgeyourpath.org