• Innovation Scholar

Melissa Mendizabal is an Innovation Scholar on the Incubator Team at the Foundation. She spearheads a portfolio of projects focused on democracy and capitalism, geopolitical threats, and other wicked problems. In her role, Melissa collaborates with a diverse range of experts to drive innovation and develop solutions to pressing global issues, providing extensive research, strategic, and administrative support in leading and executing various projects.

Melissa joined the Foundation in August 2023. Prior to joining the Foundation, Melissa served as a science teacher and then science director with Teach for America. Melissa graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. She is also a certified teacher through Rutgers Graduate School of Education.