Nice to Meet You!
Did you know that the In and Out-of-School Time field has some of the greatest working professionals that ‘Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change’ year-round? TEAMBOOST proudly features BOOST Partners, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members in the GTKY (Getting to Know You) collaborative blog series! Today, let’s Get To Know BOOST Leadership Team Member, Melissa Perez (she/her).
Thank you, Melissa, for your meaningful contributions to the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Get to Know BOOST Leadership Team Member Melissa Perez (she/her)
Melissa is the Manager, Policy and Outreach for California AfterSchool Network in Santa Ana, CA.
What is one thing that motivates you? Share your inspiration.
One of my key motivations is making a positive impact on the lives of young people, especially my nephews. Tapping into my unique skills and collaboration, I am able to contribute to the greater good. Whether through small daily actions or supporting larger projects, I can create positive change.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
I currently do not have any pets. My bestie Lola crossed the rainbow bridge a few years ago.
What go-to song would you sing at Karaoke night? 
Anything from Selena (Cumbia Selena, not Selena Gomez) or a classic is “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner!
Share any unique hobbies or talents.
Shopping! LOL Kidding. I am a list-maker and enjoy organizing and creating systems to maximize functionality for myself and others. I also enjoy camping, nature, adventuring, dancing, and cooking with my husband.
Favorite animal noise?
My favorite animal noise is hearing birds chirping.
What is your most treasured book to read?
My favorite book to read is the classic, “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. I’m an Audible (audiobooks) fan and I am currently listening to “Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From”, by Jennifer De Leon. 
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you.
I have a small tattoo near my collarbone that says, “Sin Miedo.” It means without fear or fearless in Spanish. I was inspired by this powerhouse, Patty Rodriguez who is a Latina entrepreneur, producer, best-selling author, co-founder of Lil’ Libros, a bilingual children’s publishing company, and founder of the MALA by Patty Rodriguez jewelry line. She designed a necklace that says, Sin Miedo and so I had it tattooed as a reminder to myself as I navigate life, systems, and challenging situations, that I move without fear.
If you could be any person for a day, who would you be and why?
Great question! I would be someone with an unlimited budget to travel anywhere at any time.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
I would tell myself to not rush growing up. Adulting isn’t always as fun as it seems on TV. Join the sports team, join the school clubs, and be more confident in spaces. Maybe get into a little bit of trouble, you don’t always have to be everything for everyone. That’s a lot to hold.
If you really knew me you would know that…
Coffee is a must, Frida Kahlo is my homegirl, and breakfast in my jam! Pancakes for dinner?! Yes, please!
Today for breakfast I had…
An open-faced breakfast sandwich on a protein bagel topped with salsa verde.
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Melissa, for sharing your leadership with us. You are a wonderful partner and a shining light for youth!