Melissa Stek (she/her), MSW, is an Advocacy Communications Consultant collaborating with Masa Group and the founder of MountainGem Advocacy & Communications. With experience as a social worker, organizer, educator, congressional staffer, policy advocate, and communications specialist, Melissa brings a robust set of skills, wisdom, and experience to her social justice consulting practice. She has an MSW from University of Michigan and a BSW from Calvin University. She is thoughtful and effective in advancing equity, social impact, and systemic change through strong relationship building skills, policy advocacy, political strategy, strategic communications, media relations, coalition building, and project management.

Rooted in the Midwest with a background working in the nonprofit sector and with religious organizations, Melissa has built strong networks with a diverse range of stakeholders and understands the values and priorities that resonate with Midwest policymakers and constituencies. She understands the inner workings of Congress, the legislative process, and the complexities of immigration policy from her previous work as a legislative staffer to former Representative Luis Gutiérrez, (D-IL). Melissa’s communications work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times, CQ Roll Call, La Opinión, Daily Kos, Religion News Service, Black Star News, African Eye Report, An Injustice! Magazine, and many other outlets.

Melissa is passionate about immigrant rights, racial justice, mental health, and gender equity. She is the great-granddaughter of immigrants from the Netherlands, mindful of the privilege and importance of knowing her family history. She is committed to the lifelong practice of applying a trauma informed and antiracist lens to her personal and professional endeavors—aware of the privileges, identities, and positionality she holds and brings to her work.

In her free time, Melissa loves practicing yoga, playing piano, singing Alto II in her choral group, going for walks, swimming in Lake Michigan, building community across differences, and gathering with friends and family.