Since finishing at Concordia, Melanie has worked throughout Australia in a variety of government and corporate industries covering criminal justice, social services and female leadership with a focus on reform.

During her time in SAPOL as a specialist detective and investigator, she completed the Catherine Helen Spence Memorial Scholarship, focusing on an outcome that led to the offence of 'drink spiking' being included into South Australian criminal legislation. Melanie developed her portfolio of governance experience as a Board member and Chair of YWCA Adelaide, focusing on the status of women, safety, and policy, as well as attending international conferences focusing on microeconomics of women-led business in developing countries.

Melanie transitioned into executive careers within community and social services development, including aged care, disability and education models for at-risk young people. Melanie has worked with a variety of organisations to implement change management and create commercial service models, as well as leading local and national projects to grow participation for females and vulnerable populations including within the AFL.

Melanie is now the CEO of Girl Guides SA with a focus on leadership for young women and growing female leaders of the future.