About me
Melissa Mayo spent five years navigating the foster care system as a youth in care, and has emerged as a formidable advocate for change and empowerment in the Child Welfare System. As the President of the HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board in East Hawaii and a National Jim Casey Fellow, she has displayed unwavering dedication to positive transformation and youth empowerment that extends beyond her leadership roles. In her capacity as the Pono Process lead at EPIC 'Ohana Inc., she promotes youth self-advocacy and ensures that the rights of children and youth in foster care are upheld and honored. Furthermore, Melissa serves as a Lived Experience Advocate at the Children's Law Project of Hawai'i, providing peer support for young people in foster care. Alongside her professional endeavors, she is diligently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Political Science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.