Melissa Gomez Esquivias was born in Santa Rosa and raised in Tepatitlan, Mexico, returning to Petaluma at age 7. At a young age, Melissa became passionate about social justice, originating from the lessons and values instilled by her immigrant parents: hard work, compassion, and humility.
Melissa received three Associate Degrees in Sociology, Psychology, and Social Sciences from Santa Rosa Junior College in 2018, then transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2020 as a first generation college graduate. Melissa firmly believes that social justice work is best approached with many different lenses, and attention paid to the sociological intersections that shape our society, including race, class, ethnicity, gender, nationality, disability, religion, and age. Melissa relocated back to Sonoma County with an enhanced education and the passion to create change in the community where she grew up.
Melissa understands the housing crisis that Sonoma County currently faces, and how it affects the living conditions of current and future generations. Melissa is eager to contribute to the development of much needed housing in Sonoma County by communicating the goals of Generation Housing. Melissa aspires to help build a more equitable, diverse, and vibrant community with the passion and perspective of a local.
Melissa enjoys traveling, dancing salsa and bachata, and trying new foods and wines! She is an adventure seeker, a movie enthusiast, and most importantly, she loves spending quality time with her friends and family.