Melissa Guillen

Melissa Guillen (she/her) brings extensive experience in food systems, nutrition, and organizational leadership. With a strong background in both nonprofit and business operations, she is committed to advancing community health, sustainability, and equitable food access.

Prior to joining UCCE, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Backyard Bowls, where she led strategic growth, operations, and team development. Previously, she managed youth and nutrition programs at the San Luis Obispo Food Bank, focusing on food literacy, food security initiatives and public health advocacy. Her expertise spans program development, business strategy, and cross-sector collaboration, making her a valuable addition to the UCCE team.

Melissa holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from Meredith College and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from North Carolina State University.

In her new role at UCCE, Melissa will leverage her expertise and collaborative approach to support community-driven solutions in food systems and nutrition.