Meet our After School Program Coordinator, Melisandra!

What has your past experience taught you that applies in your work with Girls Leading Girls?

Other than playing soccer for many years, I have been teaching ballroom dance professionally for 5 years. As a child and especially as an adult I have felt that there is not enough opportunity for kids and girls to pursue and participate in competitive sports. I have always wanted to help change that and GLG has given me that opportunity.

What are the top 3 things soccer and sports have given you?

Most of all soccer has taught me that I love working with a team. I truly believe a success shared is multiplied and a loss shared is divided. Also it has taught me that ½ of the work is mental. You can always keep pushing further than you ever have if your mind is tough enough. And finally that physical exercise is good for the mind & soul.

What do you want to do in order to make the world better?

I want to build more compassion in others. I am starting with myself. I believe kindness & compassion are what are lacking most in today’s world. We know we have the resources to solve every problem of this planet, it’s just getting enough people to care to make change happen. 

How will you use your new role at Girls Leading Girls to further our mission and make an impact?

I believe our After School Programs are the backbone of what we do. We have the most opportunity to make a difference in these programs. I will dedicate myself to keeping these programs alive during the pandemic and beyond. I will dedicate myself to teaching coaches the value and importance of these programs. 

“The work is hard but that's why it’s important.” -Brianna Russell

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? 

There is always a need for people who are the best at what they do. This was in reference to people telling me that the jobs I dreamed of weren’t in high demand. It helped me to dream bigger.

Where are you from and what brought you to the Bay Area? 

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and have a strong sense of pride in it. 

What kind of experience do you have in soccer? In GLG? In leadership?

I played soccer from 5-14 years old. During which time I learned that size doesn’t always matter (I’m 5’0”) and kept that determination through life. I first started working with GLG 5 years ago at summer camps and always wished I could be more involved. Since then I have help Supervisor positions in other careers and trained many other teachers and coaches in the dance field. I rejoined GLG in January of this year and was able to finally dive myself into the soccer world again and have been so thankful since. 

What other careers are/have you pursued passionately? 

I was a full time ballroom dance instructor, something I will always be passionate about. Teaching kids and giving them access to sports, whether it be dance or soccer, has always been a passion of mine.