Disability Rights Oregon
Melissa Roy-Hart is an accomplished communications professional with extensive experience in nonprofit organizations. Currently serving as the Communications Director at Disability Rights Oregon since May 2023, Melissa focuses on enhancing media relations and public affairs to support individuals with disabilities. Previously, as a Senior Consultant at Smart Strategies for Motivating Masses from January 2018 to April 2023, Melissa specialized in transforming nonprofit visions into actionable strategies. Melissa also held multiple roles, including Executive Committee member at Milwaukie Academy of the Arts and Strategic Communications Consultant for the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts. Notably, during a 17-year tenure with The Nature Conservancy, Melissa contributed to initiatives promoting board equity and diverse representation while overseeing marketing efforts across Western U.S. states. Melissa holds a Master's degree in Journalism, Communications, and Women's Studies from the University of Oregon, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting, Film, and Political Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
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Disability Rights Oregon
Since 1977, Disability Rights Oregon has served as Oregon’s officially designated Protection & Advocacy System, working to promote and defend the rights of Oregonians with disabilities. The nonprofit seeks to transform systems, policies, and practices to give more Oregonians the opportunity to reach their full potential. Disability Rights Oregon focuses on empowering people with disabilities with information and tools that they can use to uphold their civil rights. The organization prioritizes issues that will impact the lives of the greatest number of Oregonians, and provides limited legal advice and representation. Through its federally-granted independent monitoring authority, Disability Rights Oregon can go into places that other organizations can’t. The organization shines a light on the conditions in jails, prisons, and hospitals to protect the human rights of people with disabilities. We challenge deeply entrenched stereotypes about disabilities and people who experience them, and strive to undermine stigmas that prevent people from fully participating in community life.