Melissa Lasanta-Edwards

Community Involvement Coordinator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Melissa is from the vibrant streets of New York City, but her early years were marked by constant movement as her military family traveled to different places, including Puerto Rico and the enchanting Canal Zone in Panama.

After completing her BS in Human Services at Audrey Cohen College in NYC, Melissa embarked on a career as a psychiatric social worker with the New York State Office of Mental Health. For over two decades, she dedicated herself to making a positive impact in the lives of those she served, working in various roles, from compassionate case management to proficient care coordination.

Melissa then pursued higher education, earning a master's degree in policy and public administration from Metropolitan College of New York and then obtaining her certification from the Latino Labor Leadership Program via the prestigious Cornell University. In 2021, she added another achievement to her academic arsenal by obtaining a certification in Project Management from NYU-Tandem School of Engineering.

Her path led her to become actively engaged in the (NYSPEF) New York State Professional Employees Federation Union – Chapter #279. Her dedication and leadership skills were soon recognized, and she ascended to the position of New York Statewide Hispanic Committee President for NYSPEF.

In 2019, she joined the Peace Corps in Peru, delving into the Community Economic Development Sector. There, she imparted invaluable financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills to women and youth, empowering them to shape their futures positively.

Melissa later returned to the U.S and settled in Los Angeles, where she took on the role of Regional Coordinator of Los Angeles for the National Peace Corps Association. In this position, she skillfully liaised with California legislators to advocate for impacted Return Peace Corps Volunteers on the “Peace Corps Reauthorization Bill”. In September of 2022, she was invited to participate in 9th Annual Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles CA, hosted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Currently, Melissa's journey has led her the EPA as a Community Involvement Coordinator, where she plays a vital role in working with underserved communities to address environmental challenges, aligning her passion for cultural diversity advocacy.

During her leisure time, Melissa enjoys swimming and the rhythmic beats of Salsa music. These pastimes perfectly mirror her harmonious approach to life, where she finds balance in serving her community, celebrating multiculturalism, and nurturing her connection with nature. Melissa Lasanta-Edwards' story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purposeful action.