Melynda Heying-McMahon
Womxn @ Work 2025

“Growing up in a small town in central Minnesota, I was surrounded by contrasting ideas of womxnhood—some rooted deeply in traditional values and others pushing to defy expectations.

My parents raised my sister and me to think freely and to solve problems. My mom exemplified resilience and resourcefulness, making anything out of nothing and always finding creative solutions. My dad taught me how to work with my hands and to lend them to others in need. Together, they ensured I had the confidence to take my next steps.

Only later did I realize how much their support shaped me. I became self-sufficient, unafraid to speak my mind and ready to take on challenges. Because of them and where I was raised, I built a life that values strength and adaptability—qualities that I hope to pass on while continuing to learn from other womxn.”

A Minnesota native-turned-Rhode Islander, Melynda Heying-McMahon (she/her) is a lifelong problem solver and self-proclaimed “I can fix that” person. As the associate director for housing operations at RISD, she oversees housing assignments, billing and daily operations for the half of RISD students who reside on campus.

Melynda holds a BA in English and communications and an MS in counseling and student affairs from Minnesota State University Moorhead. A strong advocate for professional development, Melynda serves as the Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers’ district coordinator for Rhode Island and Connecticut, connecting housing and residence life professionals to learn and grow together in their field.

Outside of work, Melynda is a wife to her best friend, Bert, and a stepmom to two young men, and enjoys puzzles, Renaissance faires and planning her next tattoo.