Amy Meredith

Background

About Amy Meredith

I’m a founder, author, and CEO who believes stories connect us and systems sustain us. Together, they change lives. In 2017, I co-founded UP for Women and Children, Louisville’s first drop-in day center for women and children. What began as an idea has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit and a cornerstone of safety, dignity, and hope. Over the past seven years, I’ve guided UP through transformation and growth—building a dedicated team, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and securing resources to sustain critical services. Along the way, I’ve learned that leadership is equal parts vision and grit, and that real change happens when we listen deeply and act boldly. Before nonprofit leadership, I spent more than 20 years in business development—including formative years working in my grandfather’s manufacturing and import business. Those early lessons in entrepreneurship still shape how I lead today: balancing innovation with integrity, and people with results. I’m also the author of Where the Light Breaks Through, a leadership memoir about love, loss, learning — and the moments that shape us. Writing it reminded me of what I believe most: that sharing our stories creates connection and that even in the hardest chapters, light breaks through. In addition to leading UP, I founded Amy Meredith Ventures—the platform where I bring together my work as an author, speaker, and consultant to help leaders and organizations grow with clarity, creativity, and confidence. Recognized as Most Admired CEO, Louisville Business First (2025) and Nonprofit Visionary Leader (2023), I bring curiosity, creativity, and clarity to the work of building organizations and empowering leaders. I love connecting with people who are reimagining what’s possible—whether you’re building a business, growing a movement, or chasing an idea worth following.