Melissa Guillen
4-H Youth Development Advisor
BS Animal Science, Nutrition, North Carolina State University. 2007
4-H Youth Development Advisor, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties (2025)
Melissa Guillen brings experience in community programs, youth development, and organizational leadership to her role as a 4-H Youth Development Advisor with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. She focuses on expanding college and career readiness opportunities for young people. Through applied research, community partnerships, and program development, Melissa helps youth become healthy, productive, and engaged adults.
University Service
- Council Member, UC ANR Inclusive Community Advisory Council (2025-present)
- Co-chair, CA 4-H Civic Engagement Advisory & Program Committee
Professional Affiliations
Public Service
- Board Chair, Girls Inc of Greater Santa Barbara (2024-present)
- President, Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (2020-present)
Bibliography
(under review) Contribution of Youth Animal Project-Based Learning to College and Career Readiness: A Systematic Review & Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis
Guillen, M., & Soule, K. E. (2025). System Mapping of Farm-to-School Partnerships to Enhance Student Access to Healthy, Local Foods. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(9), 1342. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091342
Peer reviewed
- Guillen, Melissa; Soule, Katherine (2025). System Mapping of Farm-to-School Partnerships to Enhance Student Access to Healthy, Local Foods. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091342
Non-peer reviewed
- Guillen, Melissa (2026). Our Ventura TV Interview. OurVenturaTV. 7/30/2026. https://youtube.com/watch?si=WMquQgAoPmir0FNu&v=lgONYLgqoaI&feature=youtu.be
- Guillen, Melissa (2026). Young Leaders Take the Stage at Ventura County 4-H Presentation Day. Ventura Breeze. Ventura County, Ventura Breeze. 04/01/2026. https://venturabreeze.com/young-leaders-take-the-stage-at-ventura-county-4-h-presentation-day/