Melissa Wells

Melissa Wells serves as Special Assistant to the President of NABTU for Diversity and Inclusion. As a community development professional, Melissa is skilled in bridging relationships between diverse stakeholder groups and is passionate about advancing access to opportunity and economic security for all.

Prior to working for NABTU, Melissa spent 7 years as a Director for the Baltimore-D.C. Building Trades Council. In her role, she built and strengthened relationships with community and faith-based organizations in the Baltimore-D.C. Building Trades’ region. She stood up MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness Programs and increased placement of residents in building trades unions registered apprenticeship programs.

Prior to her work with the Trades, Melissa co-led the Transportation Equity Caucus at PolicyLink and advanced priorities related to promoting equitable and fair infrastructure investments on surface transportation projects. Melissa also previously spent three years at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, where she supported efforts led by state and regional coalitions to advance household financial and economic security. Melissa holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Riverside and a master’s in Public Policy from American University. She also serves in the Maryland General Assembly, representing the 40th legislative District— the heart of West Baltimore city — in the House of Delegates.