Melissa expertly weaves together lived experience, deep knowledge, engaged scholarship, and action-oriented practitioner skills to nurture place-based connections that support a thriving environment for all relations. I am very eager to continue partnering with Melissa and Locus Innovations! Thank you for fostering a life-enhancing vision for people and place!
– Julie Maldonado; Director of Research, Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network
Melissa created lasting change during the 4 years we worked together in our organization. She designed structures that guided our organizational DEI work, and which considered different needs and created a framework for the organization and individuals to change and grow. I especially appreciated that she always valued teaching and learning as part of the work of organizational change.
She created and led inclusive work groups and committees that gave space for people to try new things, make mistakes and learn from them. She also held people accountable and led and facilitated by example holding herself accountable. The spaces she led and worked in invited all to join and were some of the first places I felt truly welcomed and included.
– Kayj Morrill-McClure; DEIJA & IT Lead, Washington Sea Grant