Dr. Melody
BEll, Ed.D
NONPROFIT PROFESSIONAL - EDUCATOR - RESEARCHER
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE
PROFESSOR
My own experience growing up with very modest means and previous work experience in several facets of the financial industry led to the establishment of Financial Beginnings, a nonprofit that provides financial education programs, in 2005. Financial Beginnings is now a well known resource both locally and nationally, with offices in four states and serving over 40,000 individuals annually. Since the pandemic Financial Beginnings' curricula is downloaded in all 50 states.
I am proud to serve as an adjunct professor at Portland State University, my alma mater. When I began teaching at Portland State University in 2013, only one section of personal finance was offered each term. Now three to five sections of the course are offered each term and it is the most popular elective. I'd like to think I played a role in the course's popularity. Courses taught: 200 level Personal Finance and 300 level Managerial Finance
RESEARCHER
In 2017, I obtained my doctorate of education. My dissertation focused on personal finance education at the university level. I continue to focus my research on financial education in K-12 and postsecondary and future plans are to expand my research to education delivery models and nonprofit founders.
CONSULTANT
I started North Starr Consulting in 2011; a play off of a guiding North Star and my middle name, Starr. North Starr Consulting helps organizations to meet strategic goals. Projects have included nonprofit organization start up, strategic vision and business planning, curriculum development, and fundraising.
RECOGNITION
40 UNDER 40
Portland Business Journal
2020
INAGURAL
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
CHAMPION
Oregon Bankers Association
2018
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
OF THE YEAR
Portland State University
School of Business Administration
2016
DREAM ACHIEVER
State Farm
and
WME's Live Together
2016