Lydia Meacham-Edwards
Community Developer + Leader of People
- Role
- Area Director at Young Life
- Location
- Orange, CA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Lydia Meacham-Edwards
Purpose-driven leader with a background in program management, team development, and community engagement. Currently an Area Director with Young Life in Orange, where I oversee high school and college programs, lead and mentor volunteer teams, and drive sustainable growth across multiple sites.I specialize in relationship-based leadership, coaching emerging leaders, cross-functional collaboration, and translating vision into action. Known for building strong cultures, managing complex programs, and communicating with clarity and empathy.I’m motivated by roles that combine leadership, strategy, and people development—and I bring both heart and operational excellence to everything I do.Leadership • Operations • Program Management • Team Development • Strategic Planning • Budget Management • Stakeholder Engagement • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Culture Building • Growth • Execution
Experience
Area Director
Aug 2021 — Present · Orange, CA, US
Lead end-to-end program and project management for multi-site high school and college initiatives, overseeing planning, execution, timelines, and outcomes- Build, manage, and develop cross-functional volunteer teams, providing coaching, performance feedback, and leadership development- Drive community development and relationship management through strategic partnerships with schools, parents, donors, and local organizations- Utilize CRM and data-tracking tools to manage relationships, monitor engagement, support fundraising efforts, and inform strategic decisions- Support development and revenue-generating initiatives, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and event-based fundraising- Plan and execute marketing and outreach strategies to grow program awareness, engagement, and participation- Manage budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability- Translate mission and vision into scalable systems, processes, and measurable goals- Lead with a people-first, values-driven approach, creating inclusive environments where individuals feel known, supported, and empowered
Education
Chapman University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Community Educational Studies & Public Relations
2014 — 2018
Fuller Theological Seminary
Masters of Arts- MA, Leadership
2020 — 2026
Anglo-American University, Prague
Semester Abroad, Community Education
2017 — 2017
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