We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Bridges. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I want my legacy to be one of transformation, empowerment, and purpose. I hope people will say that I poured my heart into helping others evolve and that I didn’t just talk about change, but lived it boldly and authentically. I want to be remembered as someone who showed up for her community, inspired women to find their voice, and mentored the next generation to believe in themselves even when life felt heavy.

But more than anything, I want to leave a lasting impression on my children. I want them to say that I loved them fiercely, led by example, and never stopped pushing forward no matter the circumstances. I want them to carry the torch of faith, strength, and excellence, knowing that their mother made sacrifices so they could dream bigger and walk freely in their calling.

When I’m gone, I hope I am remembered as a woman who made people feel seen, who led with compassion and integrity, and who left a mark on the world by helping others rise after brokenness. My greatest desire is that the seeds I planted continue to grow and bear fruit for generations to come.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am the founder of Empower and Evolve Solutions Consulting, a purpose-driven company designed to help individuals and organizations unlock their potential, elevate their mindset, and walk confidently in alignment with their goals. After serving over two decades in the United States Air Force and retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, I knew my life’s next chapter had to involve purpose, people, and powerful impact. My transition from the military into entrepreneurship was fueled by a desire to pour into others the same way I had poured into my teams, through mentorship, leadership development, and strategic growth.

At Empower and Evolve, I specialize in personal and professional development consulting, mindset coaching, youth mentorship, leadership training, and purpose-alignment workshops. My work focuses on helping women and young people overcome self-doubt, silence limiting beliefs, and build the confidence to lead and live boldly. I also partner with schools, community organizations, and businesses to design and facilitate empowerment programs, mentorship experiences, and transformative speaking engagements.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect deeply, lead authentically, and create safe spaces for healing and growth. I bring both structure and heart to everything I do. My military background taught me discipline and strategy, while my personal journey taught me empathy and resilience. I meet people where they are, but I do not let them stay there.

I am most proud of the impact I am making in the lives of teenage girls through the EvolveHER: The Empowerment Movement, my signature mentorship initiative, as well as the clients I serve through transformational coaching. I have authored books and developed digital tools and workbooks that guide individuals through real change, from the inside out.

At the core of my brand is faith, freedom, and fulfillment. I want every person who encounters my work to feel seen, empowered, and equipped to evolve. My goal is not just to motivate, but to activate purpose, cultivate confidence, and help others build a legacy they are proud of.

Whether you are an individual seeking clarity and confidence, a school or business looking for intentional development experiences, or someone ready to shift from survival to significance, I am here to help you do the inner work that leads to lasting transformation.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that strength means doing everything alone. For a long time, especially during my military career, I wore independence like a badge of honor. I believed that asking for help was a sign of weakness, and I carried the weight of leadership, motherhood, and personal challenges all on my own. It worked, until it didn’t.

After retiring from the military and stepping into entrepreneurship, I quickly realized that isolation is not strength, it’s survival. I had to unlearn the mindset that I had to carry it all. I began to embrace the power of collaboration, mentorship, and rest. I learned that true strength is knowing when to lean on others, when to delegate, and when to pause and pour back into yourself.

That shift has changed everything for me. It helped me build stronger connections, lead with more authenticity, and create a business rooted in impact rather than burnout. Now, I teach others, especially women and high-achievers, that you don’t have to suffer in silence to be seen as strong. Asking for help, building a team, and creating systems that support your well-being is not weakness, it’s wisdom.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of my journey, and a true test of my resilience, was transitioning from the military after over 23 years of service. I had reached the top 1%, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, poured my heart into leadership, and built a life around service, structure, and sacrifice. But when retirement approached, I found myself wrestling with identity, direction, and fear. Who was I outside the uniform? What was next for me?

That season was filled with uncertainty. I had to grieve the life I knew, rebuild my confidence, and rediscover my purpose outside of the military structure. I didn’t have a clear blueprint, just a burning desire to make impact beyond the walls of the military. I used that moment to evolve, not retreat.

Instead of shrinking back, I chose to build. I launched my consulting company, wrote my first book, and created mentorship programs that now serve young girls and women looking to grow through what they’ve been through. I leaned into prayer, personal growth, and community. And every time I felt fear or doubt, I reminded myself that my assignment didn’t end with my retirement, it was just beginning.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about rising up. It’s about using every hard thing as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. And now, I use my story to remind others that endings are often disguised beginnings and purpose can be born right in the middle of the unknown.

Contact Info:

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