Melissa Gomez

Melissa Gomez has a diverse work experience in various organizations. Starting in 2002, they worked as Base Staff in Youth With A Mission, where they staffed Discipleship Training Schools and coordinated outreaches in Italy and Spain. Melissa also managed the hospitality department for local and international guests and led outreach efforts to street prostitutes. From 2005 to 2007, they worked as a Crisis Response/Prevention Educator at Haven Women's Center of Stanislaus, providing on-site referral and counseling to victims of rape and domestic violence, facilitating group sessions, and training in crisis call counseling and emergency shelter supervision. In 2007, they became the Lighthouse Director at Youth With A Mission, overseeing the development and staff management of the Amsterdam red light location and directing the Lighthouse as a community resource and training center for anti-trafficking work. In 2012, they held multiple roles at Connected Real Estate, including Office Manager, Communications Director, and Event Coordinator, before moving on to work as a Director of Communications at Missio Dei Church. In 2013, they became the Co Executive Director at Central Valley Justice Coalition, and in 2015, they joined Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission as the Central Valley Against Human Trafficking Program Manager.

Melissa Gomez received their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology from Bethany College of the Assemblies of God between 2005 and 2007. Prior to that, from 2000 to 2002, they attended the University of the Nations School of Counseling, where they studied Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. In 1999 to 2000, Melissa also briefly attended Azusa Pacific University, though no degree or field of study information is provided for that period.