Title:Called to be…a community-builder

Melissa Bradley (B’89)

Melissa Bradley is an entrepreneur, investor, professor, and researcher. Over her professional career, she’s worked with nonprofit groups, created business platforms, and been a member of notable executive boards and advisory councils. Bradley is currently a professor at the McDonough School of Business teaching impact investing, social entrepreneurship, peer-to-peer economies, and innovation. Find out why she’s proud to be a Hoya.

How did your Georgetown experience shape you?

Everyone knows I bleed Hoya blue. At Georgetown, I learned how to manage conflict and unify people by running clubs and organizations. To this day, I think I have the best finance degree ever. But I think my friendships are the most important thing I gained. I am still friends with the three women I met between early decision weekend and the first day of school. We check-in with our own text trail. We’ve seen each other through marriages, divorces, parenthood. I believe the most important thing about going to a university is meeting people who either positively impact your life or stay in your life forever.

What special experiences from Georgetown do you remember?

I was only an observer, but I was here when they pitched tents on Copley Lawn in protest of apartheid in South Africa. I remember my mom said, “Whatever you do, do not get arrested.” So, I walked by every day saying, “Do you need some water? What do you need? How’s it going?” I learned there are various ways to protest.

My most formative moment at Georgetown was when I was walking across Copley Lawn and a very dear friend of mine, Janine Dorsett (C’88, L’94), yelled, “What are you doing for your community?” I said, “I’m here. What do you mean what am I doing for my community?” I ended up joining the After School Kids program because of her. When I graduated from Georgetown, I left my corporate job and ended up starting a nonprofit based on my experience with the After School Kids.

What makes you proud to be a Hoya?

My pride stems from the caliber of people at Georgetown. It’s amazing to walk into the business school, see my professors, and have adult conversations with them.

I also have great pride in how we have evolved as a university. When I was on the yearbook committee during the Bicentennial, we were the first to acknowledge that Patrick Healy was a Black man. It’s not a secret that Georgetown has had its racial challenges. This school is the first place I was ever called the N-word, but fast-forward to today, we can see the reconciliation that we are doing with the folks that were descended from slaves who built this school. 

I’m proud that while Georgetown is not perfect, we admit to being a #WorkInProgress. We have been able to recognize and attempt to reconcile our wrongs.

Being married to my wife, Allessandra Bradley-Burns (SFS’90), and raising our kids, I’ve learned that we’ll always love Georgetown, no matter what they do.

 What do you hope to see for the future of Georgetown?

As a finance major, I hope the university remains fiscally responsible and financially sustainable. I also hope we continue to embrace the care of the whole person in our curriculum. I hope we continue to challenge the status quo. I hope we continue to hold the Jesuit values of equality, equity, and prosperity. I hope that our leaders continue to stand up and say things even if they are unpopular, even if they may get us in trouble, because we believe they are right based on not just our religious values, but also our organizational values. That’s my hope.

In recognition of her achievements and service, Bradley received the John Carroll Award in Dublin, Ireland, on April 20, 2024. The John Carroll Award is named for Archbishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in North America and founder of Georgetown University. Established in 1951, this award is conferred upon alumni whose achievements and record of service exemplify the ideals and traditions of Georgetown and its founder.