Melissa, a 2-Spirit/Indigiqueer individual, proudly holds citizenship with the Manitoba Métis Federation, tracing her ancestral roots to the Red River Settlement, Northern Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. She also embraces the identity of a person with lived experiences, having resided in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside for more than a decade, where she faced challenges related to addiction and homelessness. Melissa has emerged as a prominent national activist within the HIV/STBBI (Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections) community, leveraging her strength-based narrative to address the disparities that Indigenous individuals living with STBBIs encounter.

In addition to her position as the Manager of the Village Lab, Melissa serves as the Community Coordinator at the Waniska Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research and works through their community partner Ka Ni Kanichihk based in Treaty 1 territory. Melissa's remarkable contributions earned her a Community Fellowship from the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research at McMaster University, a recognition closely tied to her work with Ka Ni Kanichihk. Simultaneously, she is pursuing her education as a student in the Inner-City Social Work Program within the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba, actively working towards her Bachelor of Social Work degree.

In her spare time, Melissa generously volunteers her efforts with the Nine Circles Community Health Centre, where she serves on the Board of Directors and the Lived Experiences Advisory Committee.