Melissa Martinez was a member of the inaugural BRDG student cohort in 2019. She experienced firsthand the transformative benefits BRDG offers to first-generation college students and is a testament to how the program’s additional support can help level the playing field for under-resourced students. As a first-generation college graduate, Melissa credits BRDG with providing her the tools, resources, and guidance to compete effectively with her more advantaged peers. Today, she is proud to give back to students who find themselves in the same position she once occupied.
 

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering in 2020, Melissa launched her career in the consulting industry with Accenture. She has focused on working with clients in the public sector, helping them transform their customer experiences. Over the years, she has built valuable relationships with clients and colleagues and has expanded her expertise, recently becoming involved in the RFP process at Accenture, where her contributions have helped secure multiple successful contracts.
 

Melissa’s leadership skills, cultivated during her time with BRDG, have been integral to her success at Accenture. She has had the privilege of serving as a team lead early in her career, mentoring and empowering analysts and senior analysts under her guidance. Her philosophy of “lifting others as I rise” reflects her commitment to fostering growth and collaboration within her team.
 

“I am honored to join the BRDG Board of Trustees, returning to the program that was instrumental in shaping my journey from a first-generation college student to a professional leader. BRDG doesn’t just prepare students for success—it transforms lives and opens doors that once seemed out of reach. I am passionate about empowering the next generation of trailblazers, ensuring they have the tools, confidence, and opportunities to redefine what is possible and create a future where every voice is heard and every dream is attainable.”