Melissa Dent shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Melissa , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
My mornings are about grounding myself so I can lead with clarity and compassion. I start the day early with prayer and reflection, which keeps me spiritually centered and focused on purpose. From there, I review my priorities—whether it’s preparing for Lunch Box of Love’s community initiatives or strategizing for D.E.N.T media platform. I believe in beginning with intention, so I take time to map out the day’s goals, check in with my team, and ensure every detail aligns with our mission of service and empowerment.
I also carve out space for creativity in the mornings—whether it’s brainstorming campaign ideas, refining event details, or drafting messages that connect with donors and youth. By the time I step into meetings or community work, I’m already aligned with both vision and execution. My mornings set the tone: faith first, strategy second, and service always.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Melissa Dent is a devoted Christian by Faith, proud mother of two daughters, and a purpose-driven visionary. As the CEO and Founder of Lunch Box of Love and Deeds Edition Networking T.V (D.E.N.T) , she leads with a heart for service, transforming communities through feeding programs, financial literacy, outreach initiatives, and empowering those in need. With a deep passion for systemic change, creative branding, and donor engagement, Melissa brings innovative solutions to the nonprofit space, ensuring sustainable impact. Her faith guides her every step, shaping her mission to uplift and inspire others. A trailblazer in Humanitarianism, philanthropy and entrepreneurship, she continues to expand her vision, building a legacy of compassion, transformation, and love..
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe competition often breaks the bond between people. When relationships become transactional or driven by rivalry, trust erodes and unity weakens. But collaboration restores those bonds. When we come together with shared purpose, we build trust, empathy, and respect. Collaboration allows us to celebrate each other’s strengths, bridge differences, and create something greater than ourselves. For me, the deepest connections are formed not when we compete, but when we collaborate to serve, uplift, and empower..
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is speaking on a stage or in interviews. For a long time, I worried about whether my words would resonate or if I’d stumble in front of an audience. But I’ve learned that fear often signals growth. By leaning into those moments, I discovered that my voice carries power when it’s rooted in purpose. Now, instead of focusing on the fear, I focus on the mission—whether it’s sharing the story of Lunch Box of Love or speaking about accountability through D.E.N.T. Every time I step onto a stage, I remind myself it’s not about perfection, it’s about connection..
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—the public version of me is always the real me. I don’t believe in putting on a mask or creating a persona. I love who I am, and I know God doesn’t make mistakes. What you see is what you get: the same Melissa in private is the Melissa you see in public. My faith grounds me, my mission drives me, and my authenticity connects me. I’ve learned that the best way to lead and inspire is to show up as my true self, every time.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
The light I’ve dimmed the most has been my voice. For years, I held back from fully stepping into public speaking or interviews because I worried about how I’d be received. But I’ve realized that my voice carries stories of resilience, faith, and community that need to be heard. When I dim that light, I not only limit myself—I limit the impact those stories can have on others. Now, I’m committed to letting that light shine, because it’s not about me, it’s about the mission God placed in me to serve and empower.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.lunchboxoflove.org
- Instagram: @lunchboxoflove501c3
- Linkedin: www.lunchboxoflove.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.lunchboxoflove.org
