Melanie Barron
Atlanta
Summary
Dynamic organizing leader with a proven track record in fostering team collaboration and driving impactful results. Expertise in project management, effective communication, mentorship, and innovative problem-solving. Passionate about creating strong, collaborative campaigns for worker power in the South.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
District Organizing Coordinator
Communications Workers of America
Atlanta, GA
09.2025 - Current
- Coordinated and managed diverse organizing campaigns and timelines, prioritizing strategic initiatives in the Southeastern region.
- Co-led and launched United Videogame Workers-CWA, an innovative "direct-join" union for videogame developers in the US & Canada
- Fostered collaborative relationships with community partners to enhance CWA's reputation within and beyond the labor movement.
- Spearheaded collaboration with Workers Interfaith Network in Memphis, TN to secure $100K grant for organizing trainings and fellowships.
Sr. Campaign Lead
Communications Workers of America
Knoxville, TN
07.2021 - 08.2025
- Directed the strategic integration of 8 campus worker local units into the expansive UCW-CWA Local 3821. Led a collaborative team of organizers and leaders to establish an organization aligned with CWA constitutional frameworks.
- Designed and executed UCW Fellowship Program to cultivate member-leader capabilities in organizing, labor history, and current labor issues, fostering leadership within the organization.
- Mentored junior organizing staff, creating structured pathways for accountability and continuous professional advancement.
- Established a structured training program focused on organizing fundamentals, conducting monthly sessions to enhance members' skills in workplace mapping and collaborative efforts.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to assess progress toward goals and address workshop campaign issues across 8 states.
- Collaborated on independent-expenditure electoral canvassing campaign to generate new leads for the union and enhance voter turnout for CWA-endorsed candidates.
Campaign Lead
Communications Workers of America
Knoxville, TN
06.2018 - 06.2021
- Co-led the expansion of United Campus Workers across CWA District 3.
- Developed leaders to run the first local steering committees, developing organizing plans, organizational structures, and meeting growth goals.
- Developed local organizing staff.
Local Organizer
United Campus Workers - CWA Local 3865
Knoxville, TN
07.2015 - 05.2018
- Supported the development of committees at UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, and Chattanooga State Community College.
- Participated in and led organizing blitzes across the state of Tennessee.
- Participated on the team that defeated statewide facilities outsourcing through the Tennessee Is Not for Sale campaign.
Education
PhD - Geography
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN12-2016
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Calm in challenging environments
- Effective Time Management
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Relationship building
- Project coordination
- Discretion and confidentiality
Timeline
District Organizing Coordinator
Communications Workers of America
09.2025 - Current
Sr. Campaign Lead
Communications Workers of America
07.2021 - 08.2025
Campaign Lead
Communications Workers of America
06.2018 - 06.2021
Local Organizer
United Campus Workers - CWA Local 3865
07.2015 - 05.2018
PhD - Geography
University of Tennessee