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.