. Melissa Languren | CCPC
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Melissa Languren
Assistant Planner

City of San Diego

Melissa graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. in Public Administration and a Master’s in City Planning. Growing up in an underserved community, Melissa witnessed firsthand the impacts of environmental inequities, which inspired her to pursue a career focused on climate action and environmental justice. She currently works in the Planning Department at the City of San Diego, supporting the implementation of the Climate Action Plan with a focus on building decarbonization, community outreach, and equity. Her work includes long-range planning efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the city. Melissa is passionate about ensuring that climate initiatives prioritize community needs and that the transition to clean energy benefits everyone, especially underserved communities.

SESSIONS

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Climate and Sustainability Work

This panel, moderated by Nick Vallejo, explores the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in climate and sustainability work—specifically within the City of San Diego. Panelists include Melissa Languren from the Planning Department, Megan Kendall from the Environmental Services Department, Cassandra Smith from the Stormwater Department, and Yey Morales from the Human Resources Department’s Division of Race and Equity. Together, they will share how DEI is operationalized across departments through policy, public engagement, data analysis, and intentional service delivery. The panel will also address historic environmental disparities in San Diego, how tools like the Climate Equity Index guide City decision-making, and why equity must be foundational—not an afterthought—in climate action. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges, opportunities, and collaborative efforts shaping a more just and sustainable San Diego.