MELISSA MCGRATH

Mother of 2, Wife, Creator, Storyteller, Lifelong learner
​
Likes: deep conversations, family time, morning coffee & evening wine, taking photos, traveling, inspiring books and podcasts
Dislikes: spiders, Houston allergies, chronic negativity or pessimism

​Melissa was born and raised up in the quiet countryside of New Jersey. She now lives in Houston with her husband and high school sweetheart, and their two energetic children. Melissa has spent the last decade working for several nonprofit organizations, as well as in marketing. She believes the world is filled with so much love, hope, and good, and she loves experimenting with new and creative ways to tell inspirational stories and drive social change. 

Back in 2018, Melissa heard a striking interview by National Angels founder, Susan Ramirez, about the challenges of foster care. At the time, she had never had any prior experience or connection with foster care, but the statistics and stories that Susan shared left a life-changing impression and forged a completely new path for her. The day she heard that interview, she contacted the national organization about the brand new Houston chapter, and a few months later officially became President of its Board of Directors. Over the last three years, Melissa has guided Houston Angels through board development, strategic planning, the launch of its programs and services in Houston, executing fundraising events and campaigns, developing community partnerships, hiring staff, and setting the stage for continued growth.

We're not all called to foster or adopt, and Melissa feels that her initial lack of awareness about the foster care system plus the progress that Houston Angels has made over these last few years, is working proof that everyone CAN do something to help move this mission forward.