EMPOWERED INDIVIDUALS.
STRONG COMMUNITIES.
About
Our Story
Survival2Thrival
Frederick, MD
Founding trio of our non-profit: A resilient veteran and career firefighter, a dedicated teacher, and a strategic corporate professional. United by a shared passion for positive change, they formed an alliance to empower communities through the advancement of professional and personal growth by leveraging their diverse skills to create a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Our Perspective on Thrival:
​Thrival transcends mere survival; it encompasses flourishing in both personal and professional realms. To thrive, one needs financial and spiritual well-being, fostering a harmonious work-life balance. Achieving this balance demands confidence, competence, and self-reliance, empowering individuals to consistently give their best for themselves and others.
Meet the Team
Shelley Wheeler
CEO
Dr. Shelley Wheeler possesses a wealth of expertise as a holder of a Doctorate in Business Leadership and Organizational Leadership, an MBA with a specialization in Leadership, and a Bachelor's degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. With a focus on fostering and leading teams, as well as mentoring individual growth and development, Dr. Wheeler's professional journey is marked by a blend of military, fire service, and business experience.
Her unwavering commitment to leadership, mentoring, and community engagement has been honed through a distinguished career. Dr. Wheeler's unique background has heightened her dedication to community outreach and philanthropy. Drawing upon her experiences, she remains devoted to uplifting others and encouraging their success through perseverance.
Incorporating her military, fire service, and business acumen, Dr. Wheeler is steadfast in her commitment to serving others. Her goal is to empower individuals to realize their maximum potential, subsequently contributing to the betterment of both individuals and communities.
Meg McConky
COO
Meg McConky is a seasoned acquisition and strategy leader with over 15 years of success in driving complex programs for both the Department of Defense (DOD) and civilian sectors. With a proven track record of overseeing large-scale U.S. Government projects, Meg has demonstrated her ability to navigate fast-paced environments and deliver results. Her expertise lies in leveraging broad business knowledge, technical acumen, and analytical skills to implement and improve acquisition solutions.
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Meg holds an MBA from Mount St Mary's University and a B.S. in Business and Economics from West Virginia University. Her skills encompass mergers and acquisition, program management, process modernization, proposal management, business development, portfolio management, quality control, and sales. Her extensive experience, leadership skills, and strategic mindset make her an asset in driving success for organizations in the government and commercial space.
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Meg is deeply committed to addressing social issues, creating a positive impact, and enhancing the well-being of her community. Having personally navigated phases from survival to thriving, she acknowledges the crucial support of her family, friends, and a community of professionals. In reciprocation, Meg is driven to witness others attain similar success, advancing both their personal and career aspirations, as well as enriching their family lives.
Melissa McDonald
Ed.S./CFO
As a co-founder of our non-profit, our seasoned educator, Melissa McDonald, brings an extraordinary blend of experience, leadership, and a heartfelt commitment to shaping young lives. With over two decades devoted to education, she is not only a seasoned teacher but also a dedicated Army spouse and mom who has lived and traveled extensively overseas, gaining a rich tapestry of perspectives.
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Melissa’s leadership skills, honed in and out of the classroom, are one of the driving forces behind our organization. Beyond traditional educational realms, her passion lies in empowering students to transcend the boundaries of textbooks, fostering self-reliance and resilience. Having witnessed the transformative power of education during her varied experiences, she is determined to guide students towards becoming not just knowledgeable individuals but also productive and engaged adults.
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As a military spouse, Melissa’s journey has provided her with a unique understanding of diverse viewpoints, enriching her approach to life. This wealth of experience, coupled with an unwavering desire to ensure that individuals remain self-reliant, lifelong learners, propels our non-profit forward. Her visionary leadership and an innate drive to help others propel our mission to inspire lifelong learning, transform communities, and create a lasting impact through the potent combination of knowledge and self-empowerment.