Melissa Golden is a dedicated nonprofit operations professional with a passion for connecting people across cultures. She has traveled and studied abroad in Europe and worked in Hokkaido, Japan for five years with the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program. Since beginning her journey at VIA in 2014, Melissa has focused on furthering the organizations operational efficiency, sustainable development, and meaningful impact as Director of Operations. She enjoys leveraging her international experience and technical expertise to create strong operational foundations that support transformative learning experiences.

In addition to her work at VIA, Melissa shares her professional experience and perspective with aspiring international education professionals as Adjunct Faculty at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. She also serves as President of the JET Alumni Association of Northern California (JETAANC). Under Melissa’s leadership, JETAANC was awarded the Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs Commendation in 2024, recognizing the chapter’s dedication to promoting US-Japan cultural exchange. In all aspects of her professional endeavors and community engagement, Melissa is driven by the belief that international experiences can empower young people to grow, discover themselves, and build bridges to create a more interconnected world.