After graduating from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Sociology, Melissa dove headfirst into community organizing, political activism, and the labor movement. Since 2021, she has been organizing local workers with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, spearheading campaigns that amplify workers' rights and collective strength.

Her dedication to fighting the good fight — to standing up for those who need support — was profoundly shaped by her early experiences growing up alongside classmates who were children of farmworkers in California. Witnessing their struggles firsthand, and walking out in solidarity with them during protests, instilled in her a deep commitment to advocating for the community she lives in. This resolve was further solidified during her participation in a human rights delegation in Rwanda. There, she engaged with local and international delegates to advance human rights and support community-led initiatives, which reinforced in her the power of collective action and solidarity.

After starting university at Seattle University and working at Planned Parenthood, she received a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study politics in a post-conflict society by transferring to Trinity College Dublin, where she graduated with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Sociology, beginning her professional journey in political, community, and union organizing. Working as an organizer has taken her to multiple states as she progressed in her career from grassroots campaigning to significant roles in major labor organizations and political advocacy. Thanks to her job as a proud Union Organizer with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers since 2021, she has settled with her husband in Redmond Ridge.

Melissa has led numerous campaigns to benefit working families, helping workers understand their rights and the power of collective action. She has been privileged to help shape initiatives from the ground up and have a deep understanding of building coalitions to get the job done. She also has a rich history in political campaigning, having managed and consulted on numerous electoral campaigns, including propositions and mayoral races.

She believes change happens by empowering others and is deeply committed to advancing the rights and well-being of the people of the 45th LD.

Together, we can do better.