Yappat Melissa. Washington State akonatta. Melissa-at Chikasha. Melissa-at Chikashanompa itana.

Melissa is a writer, listener and learner who has honed her skills and knowledge in grantwriting to support equity and social justice throughout her career. Melissa is a lifelong resident of Washington State who resides on the traditional lands of the Nisqually people. She is a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, and a student of the Chickasaw language. Melissa brings to Philanthropy Northwest her background working in fundraising and grantwriting to support local social service nonprofits, tribal government and national K-12 education consultation. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the Evergreen State College and a master’s in public administration with a focus on nonprofit administration from the Evergreen State College.

Reach out to Melissa with any questions about the EPA Thriving Communities Program grant process for tribes and tribal communities.