Meet our Project Manager — Melissa Gomez

We’re excited to re-introduce our project manager, Melissa Gomez. Her expertise lies at the intersection of strategy, people, and culture, ensuring that our philanthropic efforts are both effective and deeply aligned with community needs. Melissa’s career includes a range of experience working with key government agencies and healthcare organizations, giving her a unique approach to solving philanthropic challenges. Her dedication to fostering community-centered solutions and driving equity in giving remains at the heart of her work.

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Melissa Gomez (she/her) is a seasoned project manager and scrum master who has successfully supported organizations to implement strong business practices, technology, and change management strategies to make their work more efficient and effective.

As a Project Manager with Bold Ventures, Melissa works at the intersection of strategy, people, and culture to impart guidance that fosters thoughtful giving and meaningful philanthropic experiences.

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Prior to joining Bold Ventures, Melissa worked with agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and Managed Care Organizations in Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Nebraska, and Florida to address public health on various levels.

We asked Melissa a few questions to get to know her better.

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Why are you passionate about advancing community–aligned and impactful giving?

Too often, the methods used by funders do not reflect the perspective or preferences of the community. At best, systems created outside of communities can overlook the subtleties of community-led processes and outcomes. At worst, they may contribute to the escalation of existing disparities. The foundation of philanthropy is the preservation of wealth at the expense of laborers and people of color. People who are not native to or currently residing in a community are unaware of its true needs, desires, and strengths. Despite grassroots leaders’ familiarity with local problems, studies demonstrate that minority leaders typically have less financial resources at their disposal and less influence in decision-making which is why I am extremely passionate about community-aligned and impactful giving. When we invest in modest, grass-roots initiatives, we invest in community leaders who have a deep understanding of the needs of their neighbors.

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By moving resources to communities of color, what kind of world do you hope to see?

I wish for a future in which communities feel empowered and heard. Where the challenges they raise are addressed in a manner that has the most impact on them, as opposed to whatever agendas others may have.

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How are you living the value of trust?

Trust is the conviction that a person or institution is honorable and dependable. Our dependency in personal and professional interactions is also defined by the value of trust. Often, it is tough to acquire, and once lost, it is even more difficult to regain. The greatest value of trust is not what we do with it, but what it does to us as we strive to become individuals deserving of receiving it. For me, trust is a fundamentally personal matter that I do not overlook. In every decision I make, I consider the trust that has been placed in me and hope that my actions will warrant that trust and that I will live up to those expectations.

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Articles published by Bold Ventures:

Empowering Communities: A Structured Approach to Inclusive Grantmaking

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We’re excited about the expertise and support Melissa brings to our team, and we look forward to the opportunity to assist you further.

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