March 2025 Queen of the Month: Melynie Blackshear
Published
This month, we are thrilled to celebrate our March Queen of the Month, the dynamic and passionate Pink Hatter, Melynie Blackshear, also known by her regal Red Hat name, AQL Road Runner! With a story as vibrant as her personality, Melynie embodies the spirit of the Red Hat Society in every way.
From Saint Louis to Royalty
Born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, Melynie has always had a zest for life. She holds a Master’s degree, but also credits the “school of hard knocks” for shaping her into the strong, street-smart woman she is today. Married for 19 years and together with her husband for 21, their love story has an element of fate. She cleverly orchestrated a meeting at a dance where he was singing in the church choir—only to have her plan unravel when he spotted her and asked, “What are you doing here?” Her bold response: “I’m here to be your date!” And the rest is history!
A Career Rooted in Passion
Originally on track for a career in law, Melynie found herself pivoting to a deeply fulfilling role as an elementary school teacher in grades K-3. Though COVID unexpectedly led her down this path, she embraces it wholeheartedly, striving to be the kind of teacher who inspires and empowers young minds.
Life Beyond the Classroom
When she’s not shaping the future in the classroom, Melynie is fully immersed in Red Hat life. She’s obsessed with Red Hatting and loves unwinding at wineries, practicing hot yoga, biking, hiking, and tending to her vegetable garden. Her passions include trips to Jamaica and Chicago, savoring a great craft beer, and indulging in a delicious red dry wine—Yea Mon…Salut!
The Red Hat Journey
Melynie’s introduction to RHS was nothing short of serendipitous. Years ago, she witnessed two different groups of Red Hatters—one predominantly white, the other African American—stepping off charter buses, exuding laughter, joy, and camaraderie. Though she was in her early 30s at the time, the spirit of the Red Hat Society stayed with her. Years later, she searched online, learned about Pink Hatters, and wasted no time joining. Her first real event? The Hatquarters New Orleans Convention—where she walked into a breathtaking sea of almost 2,000 Red and Pink Hatters. She was so overwhelmed with joy that she spent an hour taking photos with a stranger, who has since become a cherished Queen friend from Tennessee.
Royal Reflections
As a Queen, Melynie’s greatest joy is promoting the philosophy of living life happily among like-minded Sistahs. Her words of wisdom?
“Lead by example! Never allow dysfunction, pettiness, or negativity to spoil your Red Hat journey. Have expectations, not rules. Always represent yourself with authenticity and grace—because you just never know.”
Her chapter abides by one golden rule: No B.M.G. – No Btchin’, Moaning, or Groaning!** (Teeheehee!)
Most Memorable RHS Moments
Melynie treasures National Conventions, where she experiences the grandeur of sisterhood on a massive scale. From New Orleans to Nashville, she vows to never miss another one and eagerly awaits the San Antonio convention in 2026!
Join the Fun!
Melynie prefers Facebook to connect with fellow Hatters and continue spreading the joy. To all Red Hatters, she encourages you to embrace the journey with an open heart, find your tribe, and keep the fun alive!
Congratulations, Queen Melynie Blackshear, our March Queen of the Month! Your energy, wisdom, and enthusiasm are an inspiration to us all!