Meet Meggan Thompson, president and CEO of Dress for Success and a passionate advocate for service. Originally from Connecticut, Meggan has called Cincinnati home for 27 years. She holds a dual Master’s degree in Public Administration and American Government from Regent University, along with a certificate in Law and Public Policy, and was named a 2023 Cincinnati Business Courier 40 Under Forty honoree. Meggan is very close with her family and believes in being selfless, considerate, and always assuming the best intent of others.

“I want to be known as someone who deeply cares for others and reflects the love of Christ,” she said. “When I think about the legacy I hope to leave – especially at Dress for Success Cincinnati – I envision a legacy of excellence. My goal is for every client and team member who passes through our doors to be sought after across industries because they’ve been shaped by an environment rooted in high standards and genuine care.”

For Meggan, the avenues of service she pursues outside of her work include youth mentorship and community volunteerism. In addition to her active involvement with her church community, Meggan also volunteers with the Junior League of Cincinnati and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

“What makes me most proud is the affirmation of my heart posture toward community,” said Meggan. “This recognition tells me that someone saw my heart, my work and my commitment to planting seeds of change where they’re needed most. This honor symbolizes unity across communities and a shared belief that leadership and legacy are built through service, resilience and love.”

What life experiences has most influenced your personal mission and purpose?

My entire life has shaped my mission. Before I was born, doctors told my mother to abort me because they believed I would be born with special needs. From the very beginning, my life has been a testament to overcoming. I’m loved, chosen, and protected—and I carry that truth with me every day.

I’ve lived in six different states and moved more times than I can count. I’ve experienced deep grief, loss, and serious illness. In college, I was placed on bedrest for my entire second semester of senior year with walking pneumonia, and I still graduated with honors. My father taught me discipline and hard work before he passed, and those lessons continue to anchor me. Through every trial, I’ve learned not to let limitations alter my success. I’m here to shift culture, create meaningful change, and grow alongside trailblazers who challenge me to be better.

What motivates you to keep moving forward in your journey?

Impact motivates me. Every time things feel harder than they should, I ask myself, “If you don’t fight through this, who will suffer?” And then I keep going—because someone fought for me.

I lead with a few core principles: always assume best intent, treat people as though they may have just experienced the worst moment of their lives, and speak to others with the same respect I would use if I were speaking to Jesus in person. When I operate from that posture, I’m reminded that leadership is about service, empathy, and accountability. I’m also deeply committed to growth—I ask for feedback constantly, even from my four-year-old niece. Staying open to growth keeps me grounded and moving forward.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

Personally, I want to be known as someone who deeply cares for others and reflects the love of Christ in both word and action. If people remember me for how I made them feel—valued, seen, supported—that would mean everything to me.

Professionally, especially at Dress for Success Cincinnati, I want to leave a legacy of excellence. I envision an organization known for a Ritz-Carlton standard of professionalism, competence, and service. I want every client and team member who walks through our doors to be sought after across industries because they were shaped in an environment rooted in high standards and genuine care. Legacy, to me, is about building something that continues to elevate others long after I’m gone.

That legacy of excellence, service, and unwavering care for community is what makes Meggan Thompson a 2026 We Are Making Black History honoree.