Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF) has hired Maria Melo ait chief programs officer. Melo, who has served for more than a year on the PPF Board of Directors, brings some 20 years of experience working in government and nonprofit sectors.
Her experience working in these sectors will ensure PPF’s programming can continue to meet the needs of our community while also expanding PPF’s capacity and reach, Pacific Pride Foundation said.
“We are beyond excited to have Maria join the PPF staff,” said Kristin Flickinger, PPF executive director. “Maria’s skill set as a community organizer, communications professional, and policy dynamo will help bolster the programs and services that PPF is dedicated to providing in Santa Barbara County.
“And her experience in leading an immigrant-serving organization will provide critical perspective in PPF’s work to serve all members of the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Barbara County.”
Melo joins the PPF team from 805 UndocuFund, where she served as executive director for 19 months.
“I am proud to leave 805UndocuFund in a stable place to continue its growth and critical work in a state hit by recurring disasters,” said Melo said.
“Together, we have formalized the 805UndocuFund as a new 501(c)3 nonprofit, focused on long-term programmatic sustainability, and provided disaster relief during the recent 2023 Winter Storms,” she said.
“As an immigrant and queer woman, I can’t wait to join the PPF team under the leadership of Kristin Flickinger. I’ve experienced first hand how important it is to have strong, inclusive and welcoming local LGBTQ+ centers that provide supportive and empowering spaces for families like mine.
“As a recent PPF Board member and seasoned LGBTQ+ rights policy professional, I know this is the team and place to get the job done; particularly in these challenging times for the LGBTQ+ community. Onwards!”
To learn more about PPF’s programming and services, visit pacificpridefoundation.org.