WiSH was born from lived experience. As a first-generation college student, Melissa was fortunate to have a father who worked tirelessly to keep their family afloat and never stopped believing in her potential. While his encouragement gave her the confidence to dream big, she came to realize that believing in herself and understanding how to navigate college were two very different things. With limited resources at home, she turned to mentors for the guidance she needed to navigate admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and the many unfamiliar decisions that came with pursuing higher education in science and health.

Determined to succeed, Melissa sought out people who had relevant experience in what she was interested in accomplishing. These mentors generously gave their time to share their experiences and answer the questions she didn’t know to ask. Their practical guidance gave her the confidence to see herself in places she once thought were completely out of reach. Those relationships changed the course of her life and helped shape her journey toward medicine. Today, two of her mentors serve on the WiSH Board of Directors, a full-circle reminder of the lasting impact mentorship can have and the importance of making that support accessible to the next generation.

Melissa’s path to medicine, and ultimately to founding WiSH, was not linear. She had built a successful career in business management before deciding to follow her passion to public health and medicine. She completed her premedical studies and Master of Public Health at Columbia University in New York City, where she focused on Child, Youth, and Family Health. Her graduate work in health disparities, prevention, and the factors that shape educational and health outcomes deepened her understanding of how access, communication, and support can significantly change a young person’s life trajectory. As her studies focused more closely on child and youth development, she became particularly interested in the role mentorship plays in expanding educational opportunity. Her own experience made the connection clear: Having someone who has been there before to support you can make all the difference.

Melissa currently works as a research scientist. Her work continues to focus on expanding access and understanding the barriers that shape health, healthcare systems, and educational outcomes. Her published research in public health, HIV prevention, medical education, and implicit bias has strengthened her confidence that meaningful change begins with listening, understanding, and making the right support accessible.

At the heart of Melissa’s work is a simple belief: Every student deserves someone who sees their potential, believes in them, and helps them find their way. That belief became the foundation for WiSH, a nonprofit created to help young women navigate the path to college, discover opportunities, build a network, and pursue careers in science and health with the support of mentorship and guidance. Because no one should have to figure it out alone.

What do you wish someone would have told you when you were in high school?

I wish someone had told me to give myself more grace and kindness. I spent far too much time believing I had to get everything right the first time, when in reality, no one does. Looking back, I can see that the moments I struggled, failed, or had to start over taught me far more than the moments that came easily to me. Those experiences didn't define me, they helped shape me into the person I am today.

I also wish I had asked for more help when I needed it. I kept thinking I always needed to be strong, have it all figured out, and just power through because that’s what people expected of me. I worked hard, but not always with a concrete direction, which is part of why WiSH means so much to me. I want to help young women find a place to seek guidance, but even more importantly (I believe), is that I want young women to feel supported and encouraged even in their toughest moments because everyone needs people cheering them on.

Be patient with yourself, ask for help when you need it, and remember that growth isn't about being perfect. It's about continuing to move forward, one step at a time.