An effective leader who brings people together

A Latina Leader & Working Mom

Melissa’s parents are migrant farm workers who embody the American Dream, working hard for a better life for Melissa and her six brothers and sisters. The values she was taught, including the optimism that you can do better by working hard, guide Melissa’s actions and ground her work in common sense. Melissa championed those values as the first Latina to serve as Mayor of Dublin and on the BART Board of Directors.

Melissa didn’t always work in the public sector. She has experience as a small business manager in the dental and health sectors. Melissa received her degree in Political Science, Public Affairs & Administration from California State University, East Bay, while working and raising her two children.

Melissa has made Dublin home for more than thirty years.

Mayor

As Mayor, Melissa kept Dublin financially strong without raising taxes, expanded housing, attracted new businesses and jobs, improved public safety, and helped families through the pandemic. Under her leadership, Dublin completed one of the largest housing expansions in the region, building homes at every level of affordability, including affordable housing for seniors and residents with disabilities, while creating new neighborhoods near BART and jobs.

Melissa knows Dublin’s small businesses are the economic engine of the city, employing tens of thousands of area residents — that’s why she consistently prioritized policies that reduced barriers to job growth.

BART Board & Valley Link Board

While serving in Dublin, Melissa took on leadership roles in regional transportation, prioritizing policies and investments that reduce congestion and get people and goods from point A to point B faster. For those who don’t drive, Melissa has worked to provide equal access to a variety of safe, affordable, and reliable public transportation choices.

As Chair of Valley Link and a BART Board Director, Melissa took on a leadership role and was part of a regional coalition in making Valley Link a reality, connecting rail service between the San Joaquin Valley, the Tri-Valley, and BART.

On the BART Board of Directors, Melissa is holding management accountable for system failures and actively working to find solutions to keep trains running on time. While trains are cleaner and stations are safer, Melissa understands BART is not viable unless it is reliable.

Director of Healthcare Services

Currently, Melissa serves as Director of Healthcare Services for Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, where she leads efforts to expand healthcare access and advocates for programs and services that improve Alameda County residents’ health and safety. Last year, she received the Rainmaker Award for helping identify and advance Grace Point, Sunflower Hill’s planned residential community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While Mayor, Melissa spearheaded the effort to develop Axis Bridge, a mental health urgent care facility in the Tri-Valley, and funded a Behavioral Health Unit in the Dublin Police Services.