Celeste Melendez

Celeste comes to the Reserve with over 7 years of experience in environmental policy, energy, and climate change finance in the public and private sectors. While currently living in Irvine, CA, Celeste has worked on different projects in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and California, she has a Master of Science in Environmental Management, a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, also certifications in Project Management and International Business from UC Irvine. Her experience includes an essential role working as an advisor with the El Salvador Government, representing the country at the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25), and participating in the development NDCs, Policies, Forest management projects, and development of international cooperation projects; In addition, she has worked on several projects across California, by providing green building certifications (LEED, Energy Star, Green Point Rater). Her hobbies include dancing ballet and hiking at many National Parks. Her passion for the environment started in 2010 when she volunteered for a marine life project in Central America where she contributed to protecting the Carey turtles.