Melissa D. Ho Email & Phone Number

I work at the intersection between global development and conservation and am passionate about ensuring that people - local and Indigenous communities especially, are at the center of solutions for climate and nature. My expertise is in food systems transformation, freshwater resilience, and climate finance.I am a seasoned global executive with a proven track record of leadership and influence across strategy development, innovative programs, thought leadership, and team empowerment. My career spans diverse sectors, including sustainable development, environmental conservation, regenerative and resilient agriculture, freshwater ecosystems, climate change and finance. I have supported diverse teams to achieve big goals and impact at organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, US Agency for International Development, and the Gates Foundation.As Senior Vice President at the World Wildlife Fund, I led the integration of the Freshwater and Food teams, driving new strategies, launching innovative partnerships, and securing new resources and partnerships, including over $20M in new philanthropic funding funding. I also led initiatives on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) and was the founding executive sponsor of APEX, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group.I have built programs and advanced thought leadership in the areas of climate-smart agriculture, agricultural water resource management, sustainable value chains, and equitable economic development. I excel at building high-impact partnerships with private sector, foundations, multilateral bodies, and governments, while driving resource mobilization. Known for fostering trust, transparency, and an inclusive and collaborative team culture, my leadership is grounded in systems thinking and a growth mindset. I am deeply committed to social, economic, and environmental justice, particularly for local communities and Indigenous peoples. Let's connect - I'd love to learn from your experience and explore how I can bring strategic insights and transformational leadership to your work and team.