Melissa is the Applied AI leader in the Government and Public Service (GPS) practice focusing on developing strategic growth opportunities in AI through ecosystem relationships and client engagement as part of Deloitte’s AI Strategic Growth Offering.  Melissa is currently managing an internal investment to drive new growth strategies for the firm and our clients in areas of defense analytics, computer vision, supercomputing and tech ethics.

Prior to joining Deloitte, Melissa founded a technology startup integrating AI on drones to capture video and image data across commercial and law enforcement clients.  Melissa started her professional career by serving in the USMC and was a contractor for the USAF developing advanced weapon capabilities for the MQ-1 and MQ-9 Remotely Piloted  air vehicles.

Melissa holds degrees in Political Science, National Security Studies, and Entrepreneurship from UCLA and Stanford.   She currently serves on the Board of 3 technology startups focusing on AI and emerging technology, the Industry Board at University of California, San Diego and supports the National Security Innovation Network, Defense Innovation Board, and Center for New American Security.