Melissa Friesen

Melissa Friesen is an accomplished professional with a diverse educational background and a rich history of experience in various organizations. She pursued her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University and later continued her academic journey by completing her Masters of Public Administration from New York University. Melissa currently serves as the Founder & CEO of First, Mama, showcasing her leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

Prior to her current role, Melissa held positions in reputable organizations, including Accenture where she worked as a Management Consultant Manager. Her experience also includes being a Project Associate for NYU Advanced Project in Management, Finance, and Policy at Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. Additionally, she served as a Manager of Academic and Administrative Services at Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Community Programs at New York University Abu Dhabi. Melissa also contributed her expertise as a Staff Director for the Global Citizenship Commission at New York University.

Furthermore, Melissa Friesen has a background in academic and research roles, evident from her positions as a Project Leader for the Community Leadership Program at The University of British Columbia, a Research Facilitator at the Centre for Health Services and Policy Research at The University of British Columbia, and Clinical Research Support at the Research Ethics Board at BC Cancer Agency. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to academia, research, and community development, showcasing her versatility and proficiency in various domains.