Melissa is originally from Lynn, Massachusetts and, in 2016, graduated with a B.A. in Cinema from Denison University in Granville, Ohio. After college, she volunteered in the Peace Corps focusing on HIV prevention with youth. In 2018, Melissa moved to Vista, California, where she is currently working on alcohol and tobacco prevention at Vista Community Clinic. Melissa is passionate about immigrant empowerment, public health, education, and policy advocacy to help people and our communities thrive. Melissa also has an interest in healthy and active lifestyles through nutrition, fitness, and accessibility to good healthcare.