Some of the best leaders are not the ones standing at the podium. Melissa Prober is a creative, dedicated, passionate, progressive advocate with a passion for equity and social justice. It was as Law Clerk to the Hon. Judge Jack Schmetterer, that she saw first hand the disparate impact laws can have on those who need the most help, and guided her commitment to public service. As Executive Director of NCJW Chicago North Shore, Melissa has been able to use her Jewish values, especially Kaavod Ha Bri’ot - dignity for all, to impact policy, advocate for justice and make lasting change in the community. One of her proudest accomplishments was developing an annual emerging leader cohort to bring a new generation of progressive leaders to NCJW. Melissa’s work was also recognized by NCJW, Inc at both the 2014 and 2017 NCJW National Conventions with the Effective Communications and Social Media Strategies Award.Melissa is a Jack (or Jill)-of-all-Trades, having spent the last 15+ years developing skills in database management, development operations, web design, social media, programming planning and leadership development. She excels at juggling tasks and putting out fires and sometimes juggling things that are on fire.Melissa lives in the Metro Chicago area with her husband and two children who she knows will change the world someday. You can connect with Melissa on social media at @melfire1968. In person, you can find her knitting on the left side of her living room sofa, tap dancing with Reggio the Hoofer, or drinking coffee.