MELISSA HONDA-MEJIA, Program Specialist, joined California CASA in late 2025 with 10 years of non-profit experience to provide support to the program team, and the Program Operations Director. Before joining CA CASA, she spent 3 years with CASA of San Mateo County, where she recruited and supported volunteers in their advocacy journeys. She brings a strong background in volunteer management, labor organizing, and civic engagement, along with a deep commitment to mobilizing community-based support for marginalized populations. She holds a B.A in Political Science with a focus on Law, Politics, and Policy from California State University, Long Beach. Throughout her career, she has focused on recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, always with an emphasis on equity and impact. Passionate about uplifting future generations, Melissa is dedicated to strengthening the life-affirming connections between youth impacted by the court system and the volunteers who advocate for them. A California native, Melissa is based in the Bay Area, where she lives with her husband and dog. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and swimming.