An accomplished fundraising professional with nearly 20 years of experience, Melissa brings expertise in major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation giving, membership, strategic planning, and special events. She has held senior positions at several non-profit organizations, including the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, and PATH (People Assisting the Homeless).
Before joining our team, Melissa served as the Vice President of Strategic Relations at the LAEDC where she oversaw membership revenue, events, grants, marketing and communications, and policy, and maintained positive relationships with 180+ member organizations across the business, government, education, and philanthropy sectors. Melissa also led the organization’s strategic planning and external relations strategy. Prior to that, Melissa was the Senior Director of Giving and Strategy at PATH, where she spearheaded efforts to increase private funding, with a specific focus on foundation, corporate, and individual donors.
Melissa serves on the board of the Community Foundation of the Valleys and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. A native Angeleno, Melissa has deep roots in the diverse communities served by LFLA and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Cal State Northridge and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Chicana/o studies from Loyola Marymount University. She currently lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband and two children.