As the Global Programs Director at iDE, Melisa leads initiatives that empower teams worldwide to develop sustainable and impactful solutions for communities facing poverty, all in alignment with our 10-year strategy. She emphasizes practical, innovative approaches to building resilient market ecosystems, focusing on technical support and strategic leadership to turn vision into tangible impact.

With over a decade of experience across diverse industries—including design, technology, arts, and science—Melisa has co-founded and led several successful ventures. Her work involves collaboration with academic institutions, the private sector, and consulting for global organizations, demonstrating her ability to blend business strategy with creative innovation.

Melisa holds dual Master’s degrees from Imperial College London and The Royal College of Art, and she has also studied at NTU in Singapore and Tsinghua University in Beijing. Her background in industrial design fuels her mission-driven approach to global development. As a recognized thought leader, she has shared her expertise at esteemed institutions such as Tate Modern and Imperial College in London, as well as the Hasso Plattner Institute in Berlin.