Melissa Young is the Founder and CEO of May Strategies a consulting firm anchored in the belief that the solutions to our most endemic social, racial, and economic challenges must be driven by people and communities most impacted by systemic racism and oppression. Melissa was most recently the Senior Director of Heartland Alliance's Research, Policy, and Innovation Division where she catalyzed the development and growth of cross-discipline teams including research, evaluation, data analytics, public policy and advocacy, field work, and innovation to address the root causes of poverty and inequity. 

Melissa's work has shaped the national discussion and awareness of economic justice as a key solution to ending poverty and realizing racial justice. Her expertise has landed her a seat on several national leadership tables and she's worked alongside a myriad of public