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 Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (or the “Thriving Communities Program”) for tribes and tribal communities.