Cara Melvin

Cara Melvin has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. Cara is currently working as the Director of Field Strategy and Operations at Reema Health, a health tech start-up that focuses on improving access to healthcare for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries. In this role, they provide national leadership to Care Teams across the US, implementing person-centered service delivery and driving sustainable growth.

Prior to their current position, Cara worked as the Sr. Director of Partner Relations at Awake Labs, where they leveraged strategic partner relationships to enhance the organization's effectiveness and efficiency. Cara also served as a Consultant at Awake Labs, contributing to setting strategic and operational goals.

Cara has experience in the judicial system, having worked as the Court Services Manager: Statewide Programs at the Minnesota Judicial Branch. In this role, they led a cross-functional team across 10 judicial districts, implementing tech solutions and product development in various areas such as child welfare, language access, and diversity and inclusion.

At Hennepin Healthcare, Cara was the Social Services Manager, leading a department of social workers and integrating population health and social determinants of health into the care model for high-risk patient populations. Cara also worked at Simpson Housing Services as the Youth and Family Housing Program Manager, overseeing supportive housing programming for families, youth, and young parents.

Before their roles in healthcare and housing services, Cara worked at Resource Spectrum Community Mental Health as the Women's Housing Partnership Program Coordinator, managing supportive housing programs for single women with severe and persistent mental illness.

Cara has additional experience in communications and community development, having worked as a Communications and Outreach Specialist at the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council and as a Community Development Graduate Intern at the Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation. Cara also served Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest as a School Based Program Coordinator, Enrollment Specialist, and Match Support Specialist, and briefly worked as a Resource Database Specialist at the Alzheimer's Association.

Throughout their career, Cara has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving access to justice, promoting equal access to healthcare, and providing quality services to vulnerable populations.

Cara Melvin completed their education at Boston University in 2009, where they earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in Macro Social Work. Before that, they attended St. Olaf College between 1999 and 2003, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BSW) degree in Social Work. In addition to their academic achievements, they obtained certification as a Licensed Independent Social Worker from the MN Board of Social Work in April 2014.