A Morning with Melissa
Written by Lauren E. Garletts
Hello all, I am a student in the new JMU Curriculum and Equitable Education Doctorate program. One of our recent assignments asked us to interview a local social justice leader. As soon as I read the assignment, I knew immediately I wanted to interview Melissa.
On a snowy morning in early February, I had the privilege of meeting Melissa Nguyen at the Agora Market in downtown Harrisonburg. Melissa is a local business owner, sign language interpreter, and disability activist who is deeply committed to social justice. I first met Melissa in October during the Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treat event she organized as part of the Harrisonburg Skeleton Festival. I was immediately impressed by her dedication to improving the lives of people in the disability community.
Before the interview, I made some assumptions about Melissa's background. I thought she might have multiple advanced degrees and come from a financially stable background. I also assumed she had external help to manage her work and personal life. These assumptions were based on my understanding of what it usually takes to be as engaged in social justice work as Melissa.
I prepared a series of questions to guide our discussion and was ready to learn more about her values and aspirations. Throughout the interview, I realized that my assumptions were not entirely accurate. Melissa did not rely on external financial support to build her business. Instead, she used her resourcefulness and commitment to her cause. Her journey into entrepreneurship and advocacy was driven by necessity and passion, not privilege.
Emotionally, I felt a sense of humility and admiration for how Melissa balances her professional and personal responsibilities. Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the high-powered business leader image I had imagined. This realization changed my understanding of what it means to balance social justice work with personal commitments.
Social justice leadership is often associated with high-profile figures, but true leadership is grounded in the impactful actions that occur within local communities. Melissa's work, especially her initiatives around creating sensory-friendly spaces at public events, highlights the critical need for inclusivity in social justice. Even small, localized actions can have profound effects on marginalized communities.
Melissa’s journey is a compelling example of how social justice values evolve over time. Initially, her work as a sign language interpreter defined her leadership role. Her decision to move from the federal government to community-driven endeavors reflects a commitment to creating positive change. This shift marked a significant moment of growth in her leadership, as she moved from a structured role to one rooted in community engagement and empowerment.
A pivotal moment in Melissa’s development as a social justice leader occurred during her maternity leave. This personal experience shifted her approach to advocacy, emphasizing sustainability and accessibility. Through motherhood, Melissa’s understanding of her identity evolved, leading to a deepened commitment to environmental justice and community well-being.
Melissa's journey also highlights the navigation of barriers and opportunities in the pursuit of change. Her immersion in homesteading offers a unique perspective on self-sufficiency and resilience. While homesteading is often depicted as a simpler lifestyle, Melissa’s experiences reveal the demanding labor it entails, especially when compounded by personal challenges like navigating a divorce.
Melissa's shift from a consumerist mindset to a value-driven lifestyle is powerful. Her personal experiences, especially those related to motherhood, forced her to reevaluate her role as a consumer. She embraced responsible consumerism, prioritizing sustainability, ethical practices, and social justice.
Melissa's social justice leadership is grounded in treating others with dignity and respect. This principle is central to her activism and her role as a mother. She models these values for her children, shaping the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the work of social justice.
Through her personal narratives and intersectional approach to social justice, Melissa calls for a more inclusive and supportive framework for individuals with disabilities. Her advocacy aims to create systemic change, challenging ableism and promoting a more just and inclusive society.
Melissa advocates for integrating inclusive design principles into public and private spaces, ensuring that all community members can fully participate. This perspective challenges ableist norms and calls for reimagining public areas to welcome diversity. She discussed community-building initiatives that prioritize meaningful connections and shared experiences over consumer-driven excess. She also highlighted the challenges faced by caregivers within the disability community, calling for more comprehensive support that acknowledges the multiple layers of caregiving burdens.
My interview with Melissa Nguyen revealed a remarkable leader dedicated to social justice and community well-being. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and the ongoing transformation essential to effective advocacy. Melissa's work underscores the importance of creating inclusive spaces and supporting marginalized communities, demonstrating that even small actions can have a significant impact.
