The AB is comprised of individuals who share a common belief in education.  As part of the AB, the organization hosts a semiannual Speaker Series, which features private talks by accomplished professionals.

Melissa Blue and Melissa Mehall discussed how they left behind their respective careers in order to grow their own company named Meli’s Monster Cookies (MMC). Using a secret family recipe, Blue and Mehall started MMC in 2012 and has since expanded the company into nine states.

“These women have the vision and the determination to succeed in a very competitive industry,” said IP Director Justin Hernandez. “Their story is a good reminder of what is possible through hard work, sacrifice, and an amazing cookie!”

MMC’s naturally gluten-free cookies landed in their first freezer aisle three years ago at the Royal Blue Grocery, a specialty food store in Austin. The cookies can now be found in freezer shelves in more than 500 grocery stores, including Central Market, H-E-B, and about 300 Walmart stores across the country.

Melissa Blue attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Business Administration undergraduate degree in 2000. She also attended the Gemological Institute of America and received her Graduate Gemologist degree. She owned and operated Blue Diamonds, Inc. for 4.5 years before starting MMC.

Melissa Mehall attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Business Administration undergraduate degree in 2001. She attended SMU’s Dedman School of Law and received her Juris Doctorate in 2005. She practiced law for 7 years before transitioning to MMC.