In our 2022 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading ladies for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.
MECHELLE MEREDITH-EHARDT
Vice President of Hachem Investments, Inc. SLH Property Management & Services, Inc. and vice president of The Sam & Laurice Hachem Foundation
Mechelle was born and primarily raised in Southern California. She went to high school and college in Arizona. Mechelle and her husband Bobby moved to Rogers at the end of August 2017. It’s her favorite place she’s lived. Mechelle and her mother Laurice were recipients of the Outstanding Philanthropists Award at the 2021 virtual celebration of Association of Fundraising Professionals, Northwest Arkansas Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day.
Education:
B.S. Business and B.A. Public Relations, Arizona State University
Best part of your job:
I am thankful to God to be able to work alongside my amazing mother, my wonderful husband and to be able to give back to our community. In terms of philanthropy, I enjoy bringing charities to my mother. For the most part, our minds align where we’d like monies to go.
What nonprofits are you involved with and why?
My passion begins with a love for Jesus and to help children, neuroscience, etc. After all, children are our future. Everyone needs their health to survive. Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mercy Hospital NWA Prayer Room & expansion of neurosciences, Mercy Health Foundation NWA Women with a Mission, Arkansas Children’s Northwest, Arkansas Children’s Foundation, North Chapel Church in Arizona, Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley (13 branches) – Guadalupe Branch, The Sam & Laurice Hachem Foundation Boys & Girls Club of Temple Terrace, The Sam & Laurice Hachem Foundation Boys & Girls Club of Town N’ Country, Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County, Children’s Safety Center, CASA of NWA, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix & NWA, Arkansas Athletes Outreach, Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter, Hope Cancer Resources, First Tee – Northwest Arkansas, NWA Young Life, Young Life Manhattan Beach, American Heart Association, Equestrian Bridges, Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families, Taylor McKeen Shelton Foundation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Razorback Foundation, Red Cross, United States Marshals Museum, Law Enforcement Assistance Program (L.E.A.P.), St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish, First Baptist Church of Rogers, Fellowship Church, Salvation Army, as well as, other wonderful charities.
Did you always know what you wanted to do?
No, I did not know initially what I wanted to do. What I did know is that I always wanted to own my own business and to be able to help others. I thought that I would like to become a fashion designer, model and actor. I studied fashion merchandising for a while and designed some clothes when I was in school. I took theatrical courses throughout school. I acted in television, movies and commercials, and am a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). I modeled in print work in magazines, runway in fashion shows, and was a feature model and spokesmodel for a high-end jewelry line. I wanted to be a sports medicine doctor and study kinesiology because I wanted to help others and have always liked and participated in sports. Due to God’s grace, I did have the grades. However, when I realized that I would have to take nursing courses, which involved give others’ shots, as well as receiving shots, I then thought “no way, this is not the field for me” since I am terrified of needles. I was in management for years, co-owner of a company that sold high-end air-filtration to hospitals such as Cedar Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills., cogens (Union 76 & Chevron) and museums, including Getty Museum in Malibu, J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and Autry Museum. Our company was in five different states/territories. I now have been blessed to be the vice president for my family’s businesses, vice president of my mother and my late step-father’s foundation, and Vassol (our medical company, which has Nova QMRA).
One thing you’d love to master in business? In your personal life?
In business, I love to be like a sponge and learn.
In my personal life, I have always tried to do the right thing. I would like every day to be more like Jesus, to be the best wife, mother to our pups, daughter, granddaughter, best friend, family member and a hard worker. I would like to always be able to plant seeds in one’s hearts for our precious Lord and Savior and encourage others.
Quality you admire most in women:
I admire most in women when one truly loves Jesus and is genuine, kind, intelligent, honest, trustworthy and loyal.
What do you do for fun?
I love Jesus, reading the Bible, devotionals, praying daily and going to church. I love & enjoy spending time with my amazing husband & our precious pups, my incredible mother, my terrific father, my great family, and dear friends. I am pretty much a homebody & a big kid at heart. I love seeing God’s beauty every day. I really enjoy working out, weightlifting, doing cardio & swimming. I enjoy singing, going to the movies and to dinner with my husband.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is the selfless love that Jesus sacrificed for all of us on the cross. I am nothing without Jesus. I also admire my mother, who is my mentor. She is the most brilliant lady that I know. I love her dearly. Aside from Jesus, my father has always been my hero. I love him so much. Lastly, my amazing husband – I am so proud of him. He’s so talented and wonderful. I love him very much.
Surprising facts about you:
I was in the circus when I was in school – doing acrobatics, multiple trapeze, roman ladders and webs. After college, I did modeling and also, acted in television, movies and commercials and am a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). I never compromised my morals or values. My father thought that I was supposed to save Hollywood. It was a blessing that God opened doors for me to be on shows that were difficult for people to be on, as well as, allowed me to plant seeds in others hearts for Him.
Personal mantra:
Life is too short not to be happy and to be thankful for everyone and everything in one’s life. Be kind, genuine, honest and loyal. Do not be catty, jealous or petty. Two of my favorite sets of verses are Proverbs 18:24 & 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8. Every day is a gift and is a blessing to be alive.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
Do things right the first time or don’t do them at all. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Don’t ever compromise your morals or values. Don’t ever compromise yourself to get further in life. Be selfless and not selfish.
Best part of your day:
Spending time praying to my precious Lord and Savior and spending time with my husband, our sweet pups and family, and dear friends.
You can view Mechelle’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2022 3W Magazine here.