A native New Orleanian with a penchant for public service, Melissa Ehlinger has dedicated her career to tackling complex challenges including housing, workforce readiness, and economic development that affect people right here at home.
While at the New Orleans Business Alliance, Melissa oversaw the creation of ProsperityNOLA, a strategic plan for economic development, and was instrumental in founding YouthForce NOLA to connect young people graduating from New Orleans public schools with in-demand, good-paying jobs.
Nearly 10 years later, with Melissa as Chief of External Affairs, YouthForce NOLA has provided paid internships for more than 1,400 public school students with 250+ local companies, advocated for policies to increase public funding for these opportunities, and raised more than $50 million in public funds to scale these efforts. Together with her team, Melissa works tirelessly so every New Orleans public school student is ready for college, career, and the future they choose.
1100 Poydras Street, Suite 1405, New Orleans | youthforcenola.org
