Melissa Calypso

Congressional Health Fellow

Melissa Calypso is a driven and dedicated public affairs professional, working to expand her career at the intersection of policy, technology, and democracy. With a passion for ensuring open internet access and making tech work for everyone, Melissa is committed to surfacing the role that technology plays in exacerbating inequalities that impact our most vulnerable and underserved communities.

Prior to her current role as a fellow with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Melissa has worked in the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors, where she has researched policy trends affecting the journalism and media industries, workplace protections for survivors of violent crimes, the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on disenfranchised communities, and Black maternal health care access and outcomes in the United States. She has also gained valuable experience in organizing community-driven programs that advance the well-being of marginalized groups.

Melissa is a proud native of Chicago and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies from Northeastern Illinois University, as well as a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University (GO ‘Cats!). With her diverse background and commitment to social justice, Melissa is determined to continue making a positive impact in the world of policy and technology.