40 Under 40: Melissa Uppendahl
Tahoe Chamber | July 28, 2021 | 40 Under 40
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“I partnered with my book club to donate books to a few local elementary school classrooms. This grew into a larger idea to create a non-profit called Lift Literature as a lasting reminder that a simple act of kindness can uplift our community.”
Melissa is a Lake Tahoe native, Finance and Grants Analyst for Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and founder of Lift Literature.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Melissa Uppendahl!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
When my kids ask me what my job is, I always say, “I do math!” But the more accurate answer is I am the financial manager for TRPA’s monitoring, research, and environmental improvement programs. I make sure that all projects are on budget, audit-ready, and in compliance with funding regulations. My job allows me to be a part of the financial story behind the restoration projects going on around Lake Tahoe. In the past few years, our teams have implemented over $14 million in direct Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) control projects, along with our annual AIS prevention program. And yes, it takes a lot of math to make this happen.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
My favorite moment of this past year was TRPA’s “Random Acts of Kindness Day” started by our Senior Management Team. Covid brought stress, political strife, and uncertainty to our whole region, so we were encouraged to do a Random Act of Kindness and see how we felt afterwards. I watched colleagues plant trees, write letters to those who were ill, care for animals, give meals, clean up trash, and so much more. This event was so inspiring and a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity in times of uncertainty.
For my random act of kindness, I partnered with my book club to donate books to a few local elementary school classrooms. This grew into a larger idea to create a non-profit called Lift Literature as a lasting reminder that a simple act of kindness can uplift our community.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you try to live by?
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – The Fellowship of the Ring
“When we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending.” –Brené Brown
“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” C.S. Lewis
“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort.” – Brené Brown
Who is your role model?
I love to read. Authors, both ancient and new, have become my role models and friends taking me by the hand and leading me through every stage of life. As a child, I loved everything by C.S. Lewis, who taught me about the wonder of creation. In college, Aristotle brought balance to my life. Today, I read a lot of Brené Brown, self-development books, and fiction for enjoyment. I feel that every story changes me and teaches me to see others with more empathy.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
I was born and raised in Tahoe and I can’t even imagine raising my own kids anywhere else. We spend our winters skiing and our summers at the beach, all the while surrounded by lifelong friends and family. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I founded Lift Literature this year along with some friends to “Ignite the Love of Reading in Every Child.” We are starting a movement to transform how kids in Tahoe engage in reading. Our Inaugural Summer Reading Challenge begins in June. It is so wonderful to see the community come together around literacy.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I spend time with family and friends, cook, read, ski, and adventure outdoors. I like to run in the woods with my dog, Scout. I attend a weekly virtual book club with women from all over the country where we read books on leadership (so transformative!). I also adore my local women’s book club with some of the most inspiring ladies I know.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
My go-to outings are the Sky Trail by the Tallac Historic Sites, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Baldwin Beach. Tahoe also has great parks for the family including the Bijou Bike Park and Tahoe Paradise. Best date night is the Bistro at Edgewood. We love Verde burritos or Off the Hook Sushi for a casual night out. Sunset cruising on a boat through Whiskey Cove is magical.