Merissa is a nonprofit leader originally from the San Joaquin Valley whose personal and professional journey informs her commitment to supporting young people with dignity and care. With lived experience navigating instability and systemic barriers, she brings both empathy and strategy to her work in the nonprofit sector. Currently pursuing her B.A. in Psychology at San Francisco State University and serving as a RISE Fellow with the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, Merissa is dedicated to creating pathways that enable the next generation to thrive rather than merely survive. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing poetry, and listening to podcasts that keep her laughing.