Melissa Marquais
CEO & Founder, The Kindness Objective

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hi, I’m Melissa Marquais, and I’m honored to serve as the CEO and Founder of The Kindness Objective. Originally from New York, I’ve called Tennessee home since 2004.

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My professional journey has been diverse and purpose-driven, spanning sales, software sales, music publishing, and over 300 successful copyright fraud and infringement negotiations. I’ve also launched Sales Onion, a consulting firm focused on optimizing sales operations and helping businesses peel back the layers to uncover what’s holding them back. While that work taps into my strategic side, my heart has always been with people.

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I’m a certified Youth Mental Health First Aider, and that training has deepened my commitment to supporting young people, especially those facing emotional and mental health challenges.

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My passion for kindness and advocacy is deeply personal. I experienced the pain of severe bullying as a child, and later, endured similar abuse in the workplace. Those wounds left a mark, but they also lit a fire in me to create something that would help others heal. That fire turned into a calling after a friend lost her 15-year-old daughter to suicide following relentless bullying. It was then I knew I had to dedicate my life to this cause—and The Kindness Objective was born.

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Through this organization, I’ve committed myself to turning pain into purpose by providing support, resources, and hope to victims of bullying and those who feel unseen or unheard. We combat hate with action, and create change through compassion.

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Before all of this, I had a vibrant career as a professional singer and performer, recording the musical works of my late grandfather, Ernest G. Schweikert. That labor of love taught me resilience, creativity, and the power of legacy—lessons I carry with me every day.

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But my most cherished role is being a mom to my ten-year-old son. He inspires me to keep showing up, to lead with love, and to create a world where kindness isn’t the exception—it’s the norm.

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Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us combat cruelty and bullying, one kind gesture at a time.

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