Melissa Bryan is a Nonprofit Executive | Amplifying radical collaboration, values-based leadership, & equity-centered design to transform organizations | REDI Co-Conspirator at FACES SF. She possess expertise in grant writing, community outreach, nonprofits, program development, event planning and 1 more skills. Colleagues describe her as "Melissa's thoughtful, equitable, compassionate community leadership while at the Shanti Project, from the start, was genuinely getting to know each and every staff member professionally and personally. Creating an atmosphere of meaningful professional support, growth, equity wages and advancement within the organization. Earning the trust and respect of all Shanti staff as well as Shanti's Community Service Partners. All while supporting our organization's new mission to bring Equity, Racial & Gender Justice into the foundation of Shanti and the remarkable clients we serve. Melissa is the professional embodiment of lifting others up with equity wages and equity workplace values while doing good for community.", "Melissa's leadership is nothing short of transformational. Through her skilled facilitation and partnership, she brought healing, collaboration and purpose to a leadership team that was fractured and lacking direction. She modelled, as much as she championed, a culture of accountability, transparency and trust. She made time to meet with every member of the agency to get to know them and carried their hopes for the agency with her into strategic conversations with executive and leadership teams. She created compassionate, productive spaces for professional growth, and opportunities to celebrate and amplify team member accomplishments and strengths. I would highly recommend Melissa to any organization looking for an executive, strategic collaborator who will be honest and passionate, committed to anti-racism, equity, and excellence in service delivery, and who genuinely cares for staff and mission.", and "Melissa is an incredible asset to any team or organization. I had the opportunity to work with her closely on a few projects while at Shanti during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. One thing that stood out to me particularly was how she intentionally held space for others. She is a gifted leader, leading by example and by cultivating trust and respect in those around her. I was especially impressed with how she navigated the seasons of intense stress during the pandemic with such grace and kindness. She was always one to take the time to check in on others, allowing everyone on our team to feel seen, heard and valued. It was a difficult time for our clients and our staff, as we had to think quickly on our feet and get creative with finding ways to support our community. I believe our success during this time was largely due to the safe space that Melissa created for staff to show up exactly where they were, and know they were supported, valued, and had something to offer. Melissa naturally cultivates community and kindness around her, while also effectively championing the work of the organization. I continue to learn much from observing her character, kindness, and ability to cultivate positive change."