Melen is an avid connector dedicated to advancing equity and fostering meaningful relationships across communities. She specializes in youth development, program design, and systems-level work, employing a thoughtful, data-informed approach to storytelling and engagement. Melen deeply aligns with AHSHAY’s values of co-creation, relationships, youth brilliance, and joy. She believes deeply in the knowledge and capacity of young people to shape their future, positioning herself as a dedicated campaigner who provides the tools and resources necessary to catalyze that change.

Outside of work, Melen loves staying active-she’s an avid runner, tennis player, and hiker-and enjoys the balance and joy that movement and the outdoors bring.

“Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign. But stories can also be used to empower, and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people. But stories can also repair that broken dignity.”
―Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche

“Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.”
― Jane Goodall