Melissa Moore

Melissa Moore has a diverse and extensive work experience. Melissa is currently serving as the Civil Systems Reform Director at Drug Policy Alliance, where they lead an initiative to expose the harmful impact of the drug war on various systems beyond the criminal legal system. Their role involves collaborating with aligned movements and legislators to challenge assumptions and advocate for concrete policy proposals to end the drug war.

Prior to their current role, Melissa served as the New York State Director at Drug Policy Alliance. During their tenure, they ran the Start SMART NY marijuana justice campaign, which resulted in the passing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) with a focus on community reinvestment and racial and economic justice. Melissa also collaborated with partner organizations to pass key harm reduction bills addressing the overdose crisis and historic police transparency legislation.

Before joining Drug Policy Alliance, Melissa worked as the Deputy State Director for New York at the organization. Melissa brought over fifteen years of experience in managing media and campaign strategy for progressive nonprofits focused on criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, poverty, and community-led international development. Their role at Drug Policy Alliance involved leading the state office in legislative advocacy for policy change.

Earlier in their career, Melissa worked as the Media Outreach Coordinator for The Opportunity Agenda, where they crafted media strategies for social justice campaigns, resulting in policy and discourse shifts. Melissa also served as the Communications Director for The Oakland Institute, where they launched investigative report series on critical issues and managed communications and outreach channels.

Additionally, Melissa has experience in the publishing industry, having worked as an editor at Ten Speed Press/Random House. Melissa acquired and edited best-selling books, including those recognized with prestigious industry awards.

Furthermore, Melissa has worked as a consultant, specializing in website design for nonprofit groups, artists, and authors. Melissa has developed websites ranging from simple html to multi-platform structures.

Early in their career, Melissa served as the Program Coordinator at the Institute for Food and Development Policy/Food First. In this role, they coordinated organizational collaborations, participated in domestic and international coalitions and campaigns, and promoted rights-based public policy.

Overall, Melissa Moore has a diverse background encompassing advocacy, campaign strategy, communications, publishing, and website design. Their work has focused on promoting social justice, ending the drug war, and addressing issues related to criminal justice reform, poverty, land rights, food sovereignty, and climate justice.

Melissa Moore attended the University of California, Berkeley from 2000 to 2004. Melissa obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Latin American Studies. Additionally, in 2003, Melissa briefly studied at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, although no specific degree or field of study information was provided for this period.