Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Activities Honors Skills

Languages

Timeline

Melissa Macias

San Francisco

Summary

Dynamic Youth Engagement Coordinator at SafeSpace with a proven track record in community outreach and mental health advocacy. Skilled in project management and public speaking, I successfully led the SafeSpace Youth Action Board, enhancing program visibility and fostering impactful community connections. Fluent in Spanish, I am dedicated to empowering youth through innovative initiatives.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Youth Engagement Coordinator

SafeSpace

Redwood City

01.2025 - Current

Supported the Executive Director and Program Manager in executing youth-focused program objectives, including outreach, event coordination, and community initiatives.
Recruited, trained, and facilitated the SafeSpace Youth Action Board (SYAB), providing guidance on campus and community projects.
Scheduled and documented SYAB meetings, maintaining detailed logs, and communicating updates to leadership.
Organized outreach events, workshops, and monthly social events promoting mental health awareness.
Collaborated with local partners to strengthen community connections and resource awareness.
Assisted with program evaluations, data collection, and survey distribution to assess program impact.
Represented the organization in public events, fostering engagement, and program visibility.

Researcher/Panelist/Advocate

AIM Youth Ideas Lab

Monterey

02.2022 - 04.2024

Participated in the AIM Ideas Lab, eight-week Youth Participatory Action Research program 2 years in a row, focused on addressing mental health challenges through student-led research and advocacy.
Conducted research projects from design to data analysis, developing evidence-based insights to inform community development, influence policy, and promote mental health awareness.

Internship Student

Salinas Valley Health Hospital

Salinas

06.2023 - 07.2023

Completed a competitive five-week internship program in collaboration with Salinas Valley Health, Hartnell College, and R.O.P./Health Academies, gaining hands-on experience through job shadowing, patient assessment, and treatment planning.
Developed a comprehensive understanding of hospital organization, healthcare careers, and interdisciplinary collaboration through classroom learning and group research projects.

Lead Trainer

San Mateo Country Launch Institute

San Mateo

06.2024

Participated in the Launch Institute, a week-long experiential camp training 46 educators from seven different local agencies on fostering student connections, supporting youth identity, and implementing restorative practices to create safe and inclusive educational environments.
Engaged in activities centered CASEL domains, collaborative planning, and relationship-building, while co-developing strategies with educators and student leaders to enhance school systems and promote belonging.

Education

BA - Psychology

San Fransisco State University

San Fransisco, CA

05.2028

Nutritional Science Studies

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA

12.2024