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Where I Lead
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    4. Alumni

    Melissa Armstrong

    Melissa Armstrong uses the skills she learned at the University of North Georgia (UNG) to serve older adults in the northeast Georgia region.

    Armstrong is the CEO of Legacy Link, an Area Agency on Aging in Oakwood, Georgia, just minutes down the road from where she earned her bachelor's degree in human services delivery and administration on UNG's Gainesville Campus.

    In her role, she understands the importance of a thoughtful approach.

    "Leadership revolves around empathy, compassion and understanding," Armstrong said. "In the society we live in, it's too easy to say you're not hitting your numbers and you have to go."

    Armstrong learned her leadership skills from Dr. Pamela Elfenbein, who is now director of UNG's Institute for Healthy Aging. They still collaborate today as Elfenbein serves on Legacy Link's board of directors.

    "Pamela Elfenbein has impacted my life in more ways than I could ever express, and I have watched her do the same for many students," Armstrong said.

    Similarly, Armstrong aims to take care of those around her through a servant leadership approach. She said that mindset allows everyone to maximize their abilities. She also ensures her employees can rely on her for the right responses.

    "If those around you don't trust you, why would they tell you before a mistake happens when you can actually fix it?" Armstrong said.

    A teachable mentality has opened doors for Armstrong, who earned her Master of Social Work at the University of Georgia.

    "I've been fortunate to have great mentors around me to help me grow even when I really didn't want to," Armstrong said. "They give you opportunities that make you uncomfortable."

    Many of her proudest moments come when her employees go the extra mile. A client comes in needing assistance with a specific issue, but then her colleagues help them with multiple others. That is exactly what Armstrong said serving at Legacy Link requires.

    "We're here to help, and the 'that's not my job' mentality doesn't fit in with our culture," Armstrong said.

    Likewise, she consistently looks for ways to encourage her employees.

    "If I'm not able to serve the people I'm working with, I have no business being a leader," Armstrong said.

    Rosaria Meek

    Rosaria Meek

    As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (UNG), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
    Dan Emmett

    Dan Emmett

    UNG alumnus Dan Emmett, '78, said UNG re-emphasized his parents' teachings of honor, discipline, service to one's country, and trying to do your best at everything you attempt.
    Phil O'Donnell

    Phil O'Donnell

    Before he launched a career with his degree in criminal justice, Phil O'Donnell of Suwanee, Georgia, tested himself against the best cyclists in the world.
    William Pallozzi

    William Pallozzi

    UNG helped prepare William Pallozzi for his career in law enforcement by making him the leader he is today.
    Yanet Velazquez

    Yanet Velazquez

    Alumna Yanet Velazquez of Gainesville, Georgia, wanted to become a leader in the Latino community.
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