Melissa Cerezo, AICP, is a city planner, grantmaker and facilitator dedicated to shaping vibrant, transit-connected communities through city planning and civic engagement. She began her career at the NYC Department of City Planning, leading community-based planning efforts in West Harlem and the Upper East Side, and enhancing the quality of the city's Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS).
In 2017, Melissa joined the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), strengthening partnerships with cities to improve land use, mobility, and overall quality of life for diverse communities. She also spearheaded VTA’s participation in the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), reinforcing the agency's commitment to equity. Currently, Melissa manages the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Program in VTA’s Office of Real Estate and TODC driving initiatives that promote equity, community resilience, and sustainability. Melissa forges strategic collaboration with local agencies and community organizations to foster thriving, equitable transit-oriented communities.