Mel has a bachelor’s degree in public policy from CUNY Baruch and an international master’s degree in environmental management and sustainability from James Madison University and the University of Malta. She has eight years of government relations consulting experience, where she worked with a variety of clients on diverse issues ranging from sweeping financial legislation, anaerobic digester pilot programs, electric vehicle market and policy research, and advocacy for social organizations. Her research interests include social justice, innovative technology to enhance sustainability, the intersection of public and private organizations, sustainable development, the circular economy, and stakeholder collaboration. Through the coalition, she is able to take action on textile waste diversion and community education.