We recently had the chance to connect with Melissa Locke and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The most joy I have gotten is from my Platform which is Feeding the Food Insecure through Food Rescue and Sustainability. I feed the the unhoused and families in California. There are 200,000 unhoused in the state.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Mrs. California United States 2025 and am competing in The United States National Pageant in Las Vegas November 3 and 4 for the title of Mrs. United States. My Platform is feeding the Food insecure through food rescue and sustainability.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful would be when I was onstage as a child. I felt seen and very powerful. I danced ballet and we did a lot of performances growing up so my confidence building started there.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I have almost given up often actually too many to count but I never did or do. You have to outlast for your dream. If you quit you will never reach what you set out to do and totally take your self out of the running. In my mind I always thinking,”let’s see how far this can go?” and if it’s meant to be it will be and not ever escape me.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real me. I am authentic and I don’t change depending on who I talking too. I am a social person but I do need alone time to think and recalibrate after an event or a busy workday. I have to create space for myself to be quiet and to listen.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes i am tap dancing to work. I am so happy and proud of my docuseries i helped produce along side my non for profit Tree of New America and am lead actress in about my platform and have submitted it to film
festivals to create more awareness. I recently received The Presidential Service Award Gold Medal for 506 hours of service helping the unhoused and families in California.
Image Credits
Jose Burrola of the professional photo that is profile photo.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
