FOUNDATIONS

Me'Lisa was born and raised in the state of California. She grew up in small towns in the Sacramento River Delta region, a major agriculture and environmental cooridor for the state of California. She attended UC Davis for college and graduate school, and has been in the city of Sacramento for 10 years.

WHY CULTURAL HERITAGE?

Everyone has a story that should be told, and traditions that should be saved.

For Me'Lisa, her family's rich accounts about surviving as Cotton farmers in the Southern states of Arkansas and Texas ignited her curiosity for exploring the narratives and practices of different cultures, and teaching her knowledge to others.

In her professional career, Me'Lisa has seen how the arts, heritage, and youth development sectors are frequently dismissed and underfunded, yet these industries are major contributing factors to California's economic health and growth. This is why MJD is working to ensure that arts + heritage providers receive financial education and technical support to maintain the sectors for future generations.