CONSULTANT AND SPEAKER
Melanie Schwarz is the CEO of UpStream Strategy Partners, a collaborative company dedicated to educating communities and workplaces on the importance of mental health awareness. As part of this mission, Melanie and her team designed Mind Wellness University, a curriculum and virtual learning platform tailored for businesses. She also established the UpStream Leadership Model, which encourages leaders to rethink workplace cultures through the lens of empathy and a proactive, “UpStream” approach, better anticipating the needs of their organizations and their most valuable resource—their employees.
A seasoned keynote and workshop speaker, Melanie also supports others in their speaking careers through the Cadence Speaker Academy, where she helps fellow speakers secure relevant stages to share their expertise and experiences.
Previously, Melanie served as the Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at a regional substance use and mental health treatment center in Montana. Before that, she was the Director of Business Development for a local economic development organization.
Melanie is a passionate advocate for families navigating substance use disorder. Having experienced this journey personally, she brings profound empathy and understanding to her advocacy work, helping others support their loved ones through this challenging disease.
In addition to her leadership roles, Melanie is a published author. Her book, LifeJackets: A Mother’s Journey Through Her Child’s Addiction, has provided hope and guidance to hundreds of families affected by substance use disorder. The success of LifeJackets has fueled Melanie’s passion for traveling the country to connect with and support families facing similar challenges.
Melanie lives in Billings, Montana, with her husband and has three adult children. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and fundraising, she is a graduate of Montana State University.