Meet the FORGE Team
Founded in 2018, FORGE is comprised of a group of locally-owned small businesses, most of which are in their 2nd and 3rd generation of owners. Before founding FORGE, individually these companies were to the point of stealing labor from each other and were defeating their goal of strengthening each other and the community in which they work. They began to work together on determining a more long-term solution, and thus inspired FORGE. Formed with the vision of strengthening the budding partnerships with local schools and being able to help teach students how to one day be ready for the workforce, FORGE allows these companies to now work as a team to help build the workforce of tomorrow.
Message from the Executive Director
Welcome to FORGE—a place where we believe in building not only skilled workers but also strong communities. As the Executive Director of FORGE, I’m proud to lead an organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of skilled trades professionals and creating opportunities for career readiness in high-demand industries.
At FORGE, we’re committed to helping students discover their potential by providing hands-on learning experiences, connecting them with industry leaders, and offering resources that support their career aspirations. Through our programs, events, and partnerships, we aim to create pathways for success and build a skilled workforce that will drive our local economies forward.
We’re excited to expand our reach with the launch of FORGE North Mississippi, which will bring our mission to even more communities across the state. Whether you’re a student, educator, business owner, or community leader, we welcome you to join us in forging a brighter future for our youth and our workforce.
Thank you for your support of FORGE—together, we are building the future!
Warm regards,
Melinda Lowe
Executive Director, FORGE
