Welcome, Melissa Black!

Please join us in welcoming, Melissa Black, the new Operations Coordinator for the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce!

Let’s learn a little more about her…

Melissa brings a wealth of community engagement and social justice advocacy to the table. She’s been working in the DEI non-profit sector for four years. Prior to that, she worked in technology and has a nack for software programs, problem-solving, and data management.

As CWCC’s Operations Coordinator, she deftly bridges the gap between the technical and creative. Her strong background in technical support, blended with her nonprofit experience and passion for social justice to empower women-owned businesses is truly a recipe for success!

We asked her a few questions to help CWCC members get to know Melissa a bit better: 

What about the CWCC makes you smile? Why are you passionate about advancing women in business? 

The idea of women supporting women in business! There’s room for all of us at the top, and together we can create space for success, however we define it. The abundance of opportunity that comes with a network of women 

What is something we’d be surprised to learn about you? I have an ever-growing immense sneaker collection. You can never have too many!  

Who do you credit with helping you along your way or changing your life trajectory for the better? Juanita Recio – my mom. A single mother working two or more jobs to support me,  she defied the odds and built generational wealth for our family. Witnessing her work ethic and unwavering dedication to the community instilled a thirst for advancement in me and I’m proud to be amongst the first in my family to attend college. Though there are generational differences, our love and connection only grow stronger. 

What do you like to do in your non-working life? Sharing my passion for running and the arts by signing up for road races and attending local events. Spending lovely days exploring the rocky mountains and beyond with my husband and lapdog. 

How has your identity shaped your life and career? The heavy influence of DIY leaves me feeling like I can do anything. It’s all possible!  I even opened up my own photography business Melissa Black Photography LLC last year joining the ranks of women entrepreneurs. I’m passionate about changing the professional landscape in a way that truly reflects our diverse nation. 

Complete this sentence: In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a happy dedicated lap dog taking lots of naps!

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is “in the big scheme of things it’s not a big deal” from a UT professor. It helps keep me grounded in chaos.  

Additionally, Melissa…

• Has served on the Denver Public Library Latino Community Service Award selection committee.
• Has volunteered with Girls Rock Denver for seven years!
• Previous to CWCC, she worked as a program manager at the Latino Leadership Institute.  
• Check out all of her cool certifications:
  • Anti-Oppression and Inclusiveness Training from Girls Inc.
  • Ignite – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative Implementation from Latino Leadership Institute
  • A Manager’s Guide to Creating Psychological Safety, Inclusion and Belonging on Teams – from Udemy Employee Experience from Lynda

Please reach out to officially welcome Melissa Black to the community! You can contact her for help with your member portal account, to pay invoices, and if you need a photographer for an upcoming event!

Melissa Black, CWCC Operations Coordinator
mblack@cwcc.org
303-458-0220