Preserving History...Pursuing Hope!

Melody M. Pannell is a native of Harlem, New York City, where her interests developed concerning political engagement, servant leadership and community orgainizing. Pannell has lived in Dayton, VA for 9 years, and was elected to towncouncil in November 2022. Pannell grew up at Seventh Avenue Mennonite Church and continues to serve throughout the Anabaptist Community. Pannell holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, a Master of Social Work from Fordham University in New York City, and a Master of Divinity and Master in Christian Education from The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. Pannell also holds a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice from The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU, where she trained to become a Strategies for Trauma and Resilience Practitioner focusing on transforming historical harms. Pannell is a 2024 graduate of the Inaugural Womanist Preaching Doctorate in Ministry Program at Memphis Theological Seminary, focusing on healing intergenerational trauma. Pannell is a first-year PhD student in the School of Social Work at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. 

Pannell serves as the inaugural Director of Diversity and Community Engagement at UVA Health in Charlottesville, VA., where she curates cultural awareness programs, implements inclusive excellence trainings, and instructs the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Strategist Education Program for the School of Medicine Faculty Members. Pannell also serves on the leadership of the Coming to the Table Charlottesville Local Affiliate, where the mission is “to provide leadership, resources, and a supportive environment for all who wish to acknowledge and heal wounds from racism that is rooted in the United States history of slavery. In her previous positions, Pannell served as Adjunct Professor in the undergraduate Sociology and graduate Psychology department at Bridgewater College and as a Resilience Educator and Mental Health Therapist for The Women’s Initiative in Charlottesville, Virginia. Pannell also served as Assistant Professor of Social Work in the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Chairperson for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Vice-President of the Faculty Senate, and Director of Multicultural Services at Eastern Mennonite University, and Director of Counseling Services at Virginia Union University. Pannell is the founder and CEO of Destiny’s Daughters Inc., a therapeutic spiritual mentoring program dedicated to Black women and girls' personal transformation, holistic healing, and self-empowerment. Pannell also serves as the Board Chair of Anabaptist World Inc., Director of Communications for the Anabaptist Center for Religion and Society, and newly appointed Board Member of Eastern Mennonite School. Pannell is a graduate of the Circle of Sacred Fire, a preaching intensive designed to prepare women of color in ministry in Black preaching, womanism, and leadership development. Pannell is also a graduate and current mentor of the RISE Together Mentoring Network for Women sponsored by Union Theological Seminary and is a contributing published author to the book, Sacred Sistering: A Devotional For Women of Color in Ministry. Civically, Pannell is a member and Chaplain of the Charlottesville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorotiry Inc. and serves on the Delta Research and Education Foundation (DREF) Sister Scholars Advisory Council.

As an academic scholar, social work practitioner, DEI administrator, and non-profit community leader, Pannell utilizes a variety of avenues to address historical harms, dignity violations, and structured discriminations that affect the positive development and holistic well-being of marginalized populations. It is her life’s mission to develop inclusive communities, build the capacity for resilience, and embody justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through the values and ethics of social work, restorative justice practices, and womanist theology. Her vision encourages those she serves to engage in a transformative journey of radical hope, holistic healing, and human flourishing.

Greetings Family and Friends!

I am excited to be a candidate for the Mayor of Dayton, Virginia. I have lived in Dayton for over 9 years. Dayton has become dear to my heart as it represents my Anabaptist/ Mennonite heritage and the rich history of the Town of Dayton is symbolic of my love of music, education and community. It is also the headquarters for the therapeutic mentoring ministry that I founded to empower women and girls, Destiny’s Daughters Inc. 

From our Mennonite farmers to our small business owners to our blue collar workers and professionals, the town of Dayton represents a strong heritage and a sense of progressive hope. We have a unique opportunity to maintain our small town…hometown and downtown community, while seeking to implement innovative ideas that will improve our quality of living and enhance the care of our citizens. 

In this beautiful,historic and quaint Shenandoah Valley town, there is a place for everyone to grow, engage and flourish. It is a peaceful place to continue preserving our history while we pursue hope. 

I invite you to support my campaign for the position of Mayor for Dayton, Virginia. Check out my Seven Steps to Support Me. Your efforts in getting behind me in this significant moment will be greatly appreciated. 

I believe that I have been planted in this particular place for a purpose. I plan to serve and support the people of Dayton through servant leadership, community engagement and restorative justice practices as we move towards positive transformation and innovative collaborative vision for our future. Together we will continue the charm of Dayton as a place people are proud as I am to call home. 

Please feel free to reach out to me at pannellformayor@gmail.com

I look forward to your support on this new and exciting endeavor. 

Sincerely, 

Towncouncil Woman 

Dr. Melody M. Pannell

Seven Steps to Support Me

1. Donate to my Campaign 

2. Share my Campaign with your Circles 

3. Place a Campaign Sign in your residence or business 

4. Assist in sharing door to door Campaign information in Dayton

5. Follow my Towncouncil Pannell Facebook page

6. Offer your endorsement of my Campaign in a Facebook Post or Image that can be shared digitally 

7. VOTE for me on November 5th if you are a resident of Dayton.

https://donorbox.org/pannell-for-mayor

https://melodymariepannell.com/