Melissa Data Melissa was born in Kahaluʻu and grew up in Hahaʻione Valley. She is the third of four children. Her favorite childhood memories were spending summer vacations with her cousins and younger brother at her grandparents’ house in Wailuku, Maui. Melissa received both a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in social work with a concentration in Multi-Ethnic Practice from the University of Washington. Over the span of her career, Melissa has enjoyed working with children, youth, ʻohana, and communities. She has provided social services, counseling, therapeutic services, and program management in various settings. Melissa has worked with ʻōpio in residential treatment programs, youth emergency shelters, public housing communities, schools, and Family Court. She is grateful to have the opportunity to work in service to Queen Liliʻuokalani as part of a team that brings healing and hope to kamaliʻi across the pae ʻāina. Melissa loves to spend time with her daughter, Mikaella. She is involved in her church community, likes watching sunrises and sunsets, watching movies and films, and trying out new restaurants with her foodie friends.