Rising Stars: Meet Melody Lampkin of Chatsworth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Lampkin.

Hi Melody, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey working with Sam Watson and Team Watson on their charity events to help raise funds for the Lifedriven Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves kids in underserved communities who are battling life-threatening diseases. Our mission has always been to help these children “Dare to Dream” by creating memorable experiences that bring joy and happiness into their lives.

Over time, I was asked to come on board as the COO of the Lifedriven Foundation to expand our impact and to build a deeper collaboration between Lifedriven Foundation and Team Watson. From this partnership, we created a youth initiative called Pathways to Success, which eventually led to the development of a groundbreaking program curriculum called The Business of Boxing.

The Business of Boxing is an innovative youth development curriculum that uses boxing as a framework for leadership, wellness, and career exploration. It blends athletic discipline with professional skill-building, helping young people grow, gain confidence, and thrive in every arena of life. Ultimately, our goal is to inspire youth to become the heroes in their own stories.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a new program meant first creating genuine interest from our youth, which can be challenging—especially when introducing something innovative and unfamiliar. Another major hurdle was getting other organizations to see us as a resource and collaborator rather than a competitor. Building trust and proving the value of what we offer takes time, consistency, and patience.

Funding has also been a significant challenge. Securing the financial support needed to expand the program so more organizations and young people can benefit is an ongoing effort. Despite these obstacles, each challenge has strengthened our mission and reinforced the importance of the work we’re doing.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers around youth development, community empowerment, and designing programs that create real pathways to success. As COO of the Lifedriven Foundation, I focus on building initiatives that combine purpose, collaboration, and opportunity to support young people—especially those in underserved communities.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is The Business of Boxing program. It’s an innovative youth development curriculum that uses the structure and discipline of boxing as a foundation for leadership, wellness, and career exploration. What sets this program apart is that it goes far beyond the sport itself. We use boxing as a metaphor and a tool—teaching young people how to navigate challenges, build confidence, understand the importance of preparation, and develop both personal and professional skills.

Although creating a curriculum like this is something completely new for me, it has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I’ve learned how powerful it can be to take an idea and shape it into a meaningful program that truly connects with youth and meets their needs.

What I’m most proud of is watching young people transform: seeing them discover their strengths, believe in their potential, and begin to understand that they can become the heroes of their own stories. That impact, that shift in mindset and confidence, is what sets this work apart and fuels everything I do.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out is to stay the course and follow your passion, even when the path isn’t clear. There will be challenges, doubts, and moments where things move slower than you’d hoped—but staying committed to your purpose makes all the difference.

I also wish I had known earlier how important it is to trust the process. You don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. Growth comes from taking small steps consistently, learning as you go, and being open to new opportunities—even the ones that feel unfamiliar at first.

Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, ask for help when you need it, and don’t be afraid to start small. Every meaningful project, program, or mission begins with a single step and the courage to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: lifedriven.org and teamwatsonfoundation.org
• Instagram: be_lifedriven