Melissa is a mission-driven educator whose passion for helping learners become the best possible versions of themselves has allowed her to work with numerous student populations, including first-generation students, immigrant, refugee, and international students, and pre-med students. Melissa has served thousands of learners, promoting their holistic success and confidence as evolving learners and aspiring professionals in one-on-one settings, supporting them with their writing and communication skills, fostering mentorship on campus, and designing and implementing new college curriculum as a first-year seminar instructor and civic learning faculty fellow. She holds a bachelor's from DePaul University in Latin American and Latino/a/x studies and communications and a master's in educational leadership.

Melissa is a proud mom and an intrepid traveler. She has visited about 20 countries and is continuing her adventures with her little girl, Nadia. Melissa also enjoys cooking and trying new foods, and visiting any bakery she comes across!