Empowering Girls Through Education: Melodie Paubert

Introduction to the Guest – Melodie Paubert
🕒 (02:17) Melodie is originally from Madagascar and now lives in Seattle. She’s an entrepreneur and works with a nonprofit empowering girls through education.

Growing Up in Rural Madagascar
🕒 (03:36–04:57) Raised by her grandparents in a small town (Amboasary), Melodie’s mother was a teen mom who left to complete her education in the capital.

Culture Shock in the U.S.
🕒 (04:57) Melodie moved to the U.S. at 13—her first time seeing a city was New York. Later relocated to the Pacific Northwest.

Diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
🕒 (05:41–07:59) She was diagnosed at 14 after struggling with night vision. Initially misunderstood as clumsy or in need of glasses.

Discovering Her True Condition – Usher Syndrome
🕒 (09:46–10:20) Only recently discovered she actually has Usher Syndrome (a genetic condition affecting vision and hearing), though her hearing remains intact.

Her Mother’s Nonprofit: Ny Androy
🕒 (11:02–13:29) Founded in 2012 to provide girls in southern Madagascar access to education without cost or early marriage. Grew from 13 to 400+ students.

Program Impact and Student Transformation
🕒 (13:29–16:00) Offers tutoring, tuition, supplies, and famine relief. Some alumni now work in the nonprofit to mentor new students.

Community & Parental Outreach
🕒 (18:33–19:51) Staff educate local parents on the benefits of education through skits and campaigns—many had never considered alternatives to early marriage.

Melodie’s Role and Career
🕒 (21:22–23:40) She works full-time in public health on STD prevention and is also building a financial literacy and marketing business to empower underserved communities.

Living with Vision Loss & Personal Purpose
🕒 (23:40–24:58) She reflects on her vision deteriorating and the urgency to live fully and impactfully every day, aligning with her personal mission.