Melisa has long known that her passion lies in creating social change through business and education. Over the past decade, she has focused on growing her professional experience and passion by engaging in entrepreneurial ventures, partnerships, and educational platforms. She served as the director of programs for a college access program designing and cultivating programs whose mission was to motivate first generation college bound students on a path toward attaining a degree in higher education. While serving as the Chief Program Officer at ASSETS, Melisa launched its first Women’s Business Center and Entrepreneurial Service department. A heavy focus was placed on equitable entrepreneurial services that broke barriers in starting and growing businesses for women and people of color; which included training and lending services. As an entrepreneur herself running her company, ELUME, she leads innovative work in the space of sustainable consulting and creating products for entrepreneurs transitioning from existing business models to impact driven business models.
Beyond her professional experience, she continues to expand her personal network within the local and global communities. Not only does she volunteer her services in the greater Lancaster County as a guest educator, she is also a Global Shaper Alum for the Lancaster Hub, and a Cordes Fellow focusing on tackling global social issues. Melisa sits on the Board of Directors for Lancaster County Community Foundation and Un-Tours, one of the first registered Bcorps in the world. Melisa is a recent MBA in Sustainability graduate from Bard, and is happily married with two beautiful children.
