Melissa oversees the policy, data, school support, development and communications strategies for YouthForce NOLA. She also leads the organization's evidence-based coaching portfolio.  Prior to this role, Melissa served as the Senior Vice President for Strategy and Business Development at the New Orleans Business Alliance, New Orleans’ official economic development organization. During her tenure at the Business Alliance, Melissa served as the Interim President & CEO and was an integral part of crafting the organization’s overall economic development strategy.  Her previous experience includes work with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, where she worked as a Project Manager in residential and commercial corridor redevelopment and work as an Attorney with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. A native New Orleanian, Melissa holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Texas at Austin, Phi Beta Kappa; a JD from The George Washington University; and a Masters in Urban Planning from the University of New Orleans. Melissa was awarded UNO’s College of Liberal Arts Distinguished Alumna Award in 2016.