Melissa heads up the income security, childcare and early learning work at the National Women’s Law Center. Based in Washington DC, Melissa previously served as Sr. Vice President of the Poverty to Prosperity Program at the Center for American Progress. Melissa is a 2006 Mitchell Scholar. She received a Master's Degree in Equality Studies from University College Dublin, followed by a Master’s in public policy at George Washington University. Her UCD thesis research examined the intersection of gender, class and nationalism, comparing the role of identity in achieving social justice objectives in Northern Ireland and South Africa. Melissa's research with women involved in the Northern Ireland conflict grew her understanding of how policy changes are likely to impact the most vulnerable members of society.

Melissa is passionate about her work and intends to continue collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders on a proactive agenda comprising grass roots advocacy and policy innovations to deliver lasting benefits to low income households. Melissa obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland.