Melba M. Furlow, MPA, Ph.D.

Melba Furlow is a distinguished professional with over 20 years of experience in grant writing, securing more than $10 million in funding across diverse sectors, including social services and now EV infrastructure. A U.S. Army veteran and accomplished educator, Melba has assisted major organizations in their pursuit of EV Infrastructure funding such as NEVI, MassDOT Service Plazas, & ADECA.   

Melba holds degrees from Florida A&M University and Central Michigan University and attended Florida Coastal Law School. Her lifelong commitment to leadership, community service, and professional development has earned her national recognition, beginning in her youth.

Early Leadership & Recognition

As a teenager, Melba was appointed to the Mayor’s Teen Volunteers by former Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Hazouri. She earned the Silver and Silver Leadership Awards, presented by former Governor Martinez’s wife at the Governor’s Mansion. In 1991, she was honored by President George H.W. Bush after earning the Girl Scouts USA National Gold and Gold Leadership Awards, which were further recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, the U.S. Air Force, and several national organizations. Additionally, she received the Chamber of Commerce’s/NAACP Tomorrow’s Leader Award.

A gifted musician, Melba was selected by Tots N’ Teens Theatre, Inc. to perform a flute solo in a spiritual dance honoring Rosa Parks at an SCLC Convention. She also received a Wider Opportunity Scholarship to travel across Europe—visiting London, Paris, Switzerland, and Austria—awarded by Gateway Girl Scout Council at age 16.

Professional Experience & Service

Melba enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve as a combat medic, rising to the rank of non-commissioned officer. She later pursued chaplaincy and received the National Ecclesiastic Endorsement from the National Baptist Convention USA.

A dedicated educator, Melba served for nearly two decades as an Associate Faculty Member at the University of Phoenix, where she was approved to facilitate over 20 courses. She has also contributed her expertise as a grant writer, consultant, business developer, professional development trainer, and motivational speaker.

Community Involvement & Organizational Leadership

Melba has held membership and leadership positions in numerous prestigious organizations, including:

• United Way’s RealSense Steering Committee & Speakers Bureau of Northeast Florida
• Girl Scouts USA (Lifetime Member, Gold Award)
• Professional Woman Network & National Association of Professional Women
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa (Educators)
• Order of Eastern Star (Former Recording Secretary)
• Office of the Attorney General’s Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys – Local Advisory Council Member
• Society of Public Administration & Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues
• World Affairs Council
• Duval County Juvenile Justice Council (Former Corresponding Secretary)

Publications & Media

Melba is the author of Voices of Soul and co-author of Transformation: Re-inventing the Woman Within. In 2011, she was selected to work on the Ford Foundation’s "Building Economic Security Over a Lifetime Initiative". She has also studied in Iyanla Vanzant’s, Oprah Winfrey Network, Spiritual Life Coaching Program and previously hosted the Christian radio talk show "Favor" on Gospel 1400 AM.

With an inspiring career spanning leadership, service, education, and advocacy, Melba Furlow continues to empower individuals and organizations, helping them secure funding, achieve their goals, and create lasting community impact.