Melva was born in Salisbury, Maryland, the youngest child of Shirley Polk and the late Melville T. Polk. She is a lifelong member of the St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church, where she has directed choirs for almost 20 years, and worked with children and youth in both Christian Education and the Missionary Society. Ms. Wright currently serves as the Music Coordinator, Quarterly Conference Secretary and Local Secretary of Youth at St. Paul.

Melva is a graduate of Towson University receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She received her Master of Education degree with a concentration in Administration and Supervision from Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland. Melva has been employed by the Wicomico County Public School system for many years having served as a first grade teacher, Assistant Principal for 9 years and a Principal for the past 20 years.

Ms. Wright has served the Missionary Society at every level. At St. Paul, she served as Local Buds’ Superintendent, Secretary of Youth and Parent Body President. At the District Level, she has served as District Secretary of Supply, District Superintendent of Buds, District Secretary of Youth and currently District President of the Eastern Shore District Missionary Society.

Ms. Wright was elected as the 13th General Secretary of the Youth Missionary Society on July 18, 2019 at the 29th Quadrennial Convention of the Women’s Home & Overseas Missionary Society.

Melva is active in her local community as the Corresponding Secretary of the Princess Anne (MD) Chapter of The Links, Inc. She is also the Chaplain of the Princess Anne Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Melva is the proud mother of two fellow educators. Mallory is a Staff Specialist, Title 1, Baltimore City Public Schools and Jenna is a third grade teacher in the City of Boston Public School system. Both young ladies served as members of the Varick International Christian Youth Council Executive Board.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 is her scripture to live by. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.