We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Ellis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be the people that my work has impacted. Whether it is a family that has benefited from clean safe drinking water or a young girl that can now go to school and learn instead of walking miles to fetch clean water. I want the words that I have spoken to encourage my fellow man to be the mantra that propels their next generation. The one thing I would like people to remember about me would be my heart. I want people to remember how I showed love through every area of my life. Truly seeing that love through service to other people.

What should our readers know about your business?
God gave me the vision for Life Beyond Water Global Outreach after my first foreign mission to Haiti. My heart was pierced by the conditions. It was unexplainable for people to drink water I did not even want to wade in. I knew that I had to do something. Our Mission is to provide relief, aide, support and education to areas that lack clean water. Starting a nonprofit has not come without its fair share of difficulties. Although I had the heart and zeal I did not know all the intricacies of starting a business. It took tons of research and educating myself on everything related to business, leadership and finance. I learned quickly and have taken losses. But what God ordains he maintains. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in this journey is the kingdom key of service. Serving will get you in the doors you can’t pay to get in. Service will take you places you have never been. Make you privy to conversations above your pay grade. Serve someone… I dare you. You can learn everything you need to serving. In time you will be elevated. Life BEYOND Water Global Outreach was birthed out of the belief that safe clean water is a basic human right. It truly does go BEYOND water. Humanity deserves a life BEYOND. A Life BEYOND ….. WATER POVERTY FOOD INSECURITY GENDER BASED VIOLENCE GENDER EQUITY RACISM That Is our brand. A Life beyond whatever is keeping us from living an abundant life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend coming in from out of town, under normal circumstances, we would definitely hit some spots. Atlanta is about food, culture and people. We would definitely visit some iconic spots; The King Center, Georgia Aquarium, Civil Rights Museum, The Trap House. We would have to eat good. I always do a family dinner at Nancy’s Pizza Camp Creek. Must eats for the week would be Old Lady Gang, Sushi from Doraku, Pappadeaux and of course Waffle House. Definitely can’t miss cruising through Decatur, The west end and the AUC.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I had to shoutout only one person, I would have to shoutout my mother Lillian Harvey. My mother was not a lot of things. What she was and still is is a servant and help. She is the most generous person I know. It is because of her that I have a servants heart.

Website: Www.lifebeyondwater.org
Instagram: Therealmelissaellis
Linkedin: Melissa Ellis
Facebook: Melissa Moore Ellis

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