Melissa Wright refuses to be pulled down by what feels bad in the world.
Inspired by Anne Frank, who said, “in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Wright strives to make Anne’s words true. “I try to live each day finding the good in people and situations and focus on that,” she says. “Some may call me idealistic, but I prefer to live as an optimist and trust others to do the same.”
Some may call her idealistic, but others call her friend, mom, champion, or advisor. This year, we’re calling her one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know.
As an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor for Capital City Bank, Wright is known by her clients and peers as committed, personable, and professional.
“I am proud of the confidence my clients place in me as their private banker,” she says. “I especially love it when I am able to assist women who are experiencing a major life disruption like divorce or death. It is my calling to walk with them through each step and educate them until they reach financial security.”
She has been consistently recognized by Capital City Bank, where she received the Service Award and the prestigious Ripple Effect Award in 2022. “I love helping people, especially women, to know more about money and understand what they need to do to be financially secure.”
She’s not afraid to have a little fun, too; she might be the reason why a skeleton in the office is dressed for holidays throughout the year. “Life is so serious, and I think laughter can be so healing,” she says.
Wright’s volunteer work is focused on healing, too. She currently serves as president-elect for the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) board of directors, ensuring STAC has the funds and leadership necessary to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from the predation of human traffickers.
“I have two daughters,” she says. “And as I learned about human trafficking, I felt like I needed to do something.”
In 2020, Melissa hosted a STAC training at work, to raise awareness of human trafficking red flags for all the bank’s public-facing staff across a three-state area. As a result, a teller reported suspicious activity to her supervisor that gave law enforcement a lead in a trafficking investigation that helped make our community safer.
“I’m inspired by the impact we can have,” she says. “We are heavily involved in real decisions that impact the wellbeing of the public. That’s a really rewarding space to be in.”
Melissa is a champion for education and youth beyond her work with STAC. Her commitment to the next generation is further evidenced by her six-year tenure on the Swift Creek Middle School PTSO board, where she served as President, Treasurer, and Vice President.
Her hands-on dedication earned her recognition as the Leon County Schools Volunteer of the Year in 2022, and her work with the American Cancer Society, Lighthouse Project, Children’s Home Society, and the Rotary Youth Camp further demonstrates her commitment to champion for Tallahassee’s youth and families.
Her willingness to raise funds, inspire teams, and lead with her heart makes her a valued member of any board. She has lent her expertise to Leon Friends of Music, Capital Women’s Network, United Way BEST Project, and as a pledge drive host for WFSU.
When she’s not hard at work, volunteering, or playing pranks in the office, you’ll probably find Wright cheering for FSU sports or enjoying alone time at the beach. “I just need a chair, an umbrella, and a good book,” she says. “Salt air and the sound of the waves helps me recharge.”
The recharge is earned. With a helping heart, hands on service, and a passion for supporting women in all phases of life, Melissa Wright is seeking the good in people, and being the good as well.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women for ’26: Melissa Wright makes an impact supporting women
Reporting by Heather Fuselier, Special to the Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
