democracy center associate

Melissa C. Powers

With a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, Melissa has worked for more than 15 years in policy, development, and women’s rights.  As a gender specialist with UN Women, Melissa has led initiatives at the global level and coordinated with community-based groups throughout Latin America.  She also served previously as the Democracy Center’s assistant director and as co-author and co-editor of the Center’s acclaimed book, Dignity and Defiance: Stories from Bolivia’s Challenge to Globalization.  Melissa currently lives in Samaipata, Bolivia where she co-leads a project on community sustainability and conservation, and was elected to lead the supervisory committee of the community’s local water cooperative.