Melanie Ettleson

Melanie finds meaning in tying her work to her personal interests. 

After earning her bachelor's from Emory University, she got her MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management-and soon began sharing tips about working life, and finding a balance, on her Instagram page, @melbeats. She offers suggestions about how to follow your dreams while keeping up with everyday obligations, avoiding burnout, quelling anxiety, and reframing negativity into positivity. 

As a member of JUF's Young Women's City Council, Melanie connects with other women in the community for mitzvah opportunities and outreach events. She's also an active member at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Lakeview and was a JUF Young Leadership Division board member from 2016 - 2020.  

For more than a decade, Melanie's Shabbat dinners have been a staple of her family and friend group, evolving as time goes on-but always keep their Hamish--homey--feel. 

AGE:
33

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
As an Executive Director, I lead JPMorgan Chase's virtual banking strategy, helping Americans bank in a Chase branch or by phone or video.

ON THE SIDE:
I help driven people find happiness while they go after their goals. Follow me on Instagram and follow your dreams.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Book lover, restaurant tester, meditation doer, city walker

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I recently learned how to play mahjongg and am completely obsessed with the game; it's the perfect combination of strategy and luck. I get excited just thinking about it.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Work on shifting your thoughts from negative to neutral or positive. The way you experience life will dramatically change by moving into a positive mindset.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I took it upon myself to travel to three continents by myself in my 20s. One of my favorite experiences was riding in the front seat of a helicopter over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.