Melissa M.
"We want people to thrive, not just survive
Congratulations to our newest Consuela Viva Babe, Melissa! We are beyond excited to celebrate Melissa, an inspiring Dodge City leader who is making a ridiculously awesome impact daily. When she walked into Cummings Carousel and saw the shakers going, she was surprised to be surrounded by friends and colleagues. As Karla shared the news of the Consuela Viva Babe Award, Melissa was brought to tears. It took a moment to set in, but she was overwhelmed with gratitude for Karla nominating her.
Karla, her nominator and colleague, beautifully summed it up: "Melissa embodies a non-judgmental and compassionate approach. Her kindness, coupled with her extensive knowledge, enables her to assist those in need effectively. Despite being a highly respected, revered public figure, Melissa remains humble and dedicated to uplifting the Hispanic community."
Melissa’s dedication to fostering inclusivity, compassion, and kindness is evident in everything she does. She’s committed to supporting her community, from working with local government to presenting in the City’s "Engage Dodge" program, where community members learn how the local government works and how they can get involved. Her joy shines when she can interact with others, building trust with residents from diverse backgrounds.
Melissa finds inspiration in her family and mentors, like her mom and Dr. Richard Burke, who both instilled in her a commitment to service and a passion to treat others with respect and compassion. Her mantra, "We want people to thrive, not just survive," guides her work and life. She believes in helping others find joy and fulfillment through professional work or personal relationships.
Outside of work, Melissa loves spending time with her husband, their two cats, and her family, both in the U.S. and Mexico. She’s passionate about cooking, yoga, traveling, and meeting new people.
Melissa, we are so proud to honor you as a Consuela Viva Babe! Your leadership, compassion, and dedication inspire us all, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things you continue to do.