Melinda White often referred to as Mimi, serves as a Human Resources Consultant for Montgomery County, Environmental Services located in Dayton, Ohio. In her current role, she holds the responsibility for various training, organizational development, community collaboration, and human resources functions. 
As an active community member in Dayton, She is a member of the advisory board for Engineering Technology at Sinclair Community College, serves as an executive board member of the National Conference for Community & Justice of Greater Dayton (NCCJ). She has served as an active member and contributor of the Ohio Diversity Council and National Diversity Council since 2008. She is skilled and passionate about bringing people of different backgrounds together to create and achieve shared goals. 
She has a bachelor’s degree in Management/Project Management from Antioch University McGregor, a Master’s degree in Management and Leading Change (HR) (MLCHR) from Antioch University Midwest, and a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP).
Top Takeaways

Build your talent pipeline from the ground up by working with the people actually doing that type of work.
Human beings are hardwired to have biases. Bring them to the surface and be willing to change.
Leading with empathy will allow you to build the workforce of tomorrow with the positive diversity and inclusion you seek. 

Shownotes:
[4:43] So Mimi, did you choose water or did water choose you?

Water chose me. I started liking it, which is kind of weird.

[5:44] When you presented at UMC we heard a lot about workforce. You came from outside of water so where did you start in developing your talent pipeline?

I had to let them know I wasn’t here for your job. I put on a pair of boots and picked up a sledgehammer. I went on a series of ride alongs with the team.

[7:15]I know each one of my employee’s names. I stand outside my door and wave and tell them how much I appreciate them. They could choose to be anywhere, but they chose here. We are a family. 
[9:10]Our boots are dirty and we can step on your carpet – but that’s why we have vacuums.
[9:35]You are working with students to come and join the water sector. Can you tell us a little more?

The Water Utility Technician Program helps let students know the value of these type of jobs– its hard to find operators because we forgot about the trades. The water sector is a lucrative industry with good paying jobs.
A student can take the class, take the test and get a job.
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