Melissa brings a background in building partnerships, driving policy and advocacy to DANA. She was formerly the Director of External Affairs at the Rodel Foundation, where she guided policy strategy for education reform. As part of her work, she has been instrumental in creating a strong network of business, nonprofit, and school-based partners to advance the interests of Delaware students. Prior to her work at Rodel, she was Legislative Aide for the Majority Leader and Majority Whip in the Delaware House of Representatives. Before that, she held positions with the New Castle County Council and the University of Delaware in the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy. A lifelong learner, she is pursuing her Masters in Public Administration at Wilmington University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware, and is a Leadership Delaware Fellow Alum. She has served as a board member with several Delaware nonprofits, and currently sits on the board of the Newark Day Nursery. Melissa and her family live in Newark, DE.