Episode for October 26, 2026
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Melissa Castiano is a member of the Navajo Nation from northwest New Mexico. She is of the Mexican Clan, born for the Salt Clan, with ties to the Red Running Into Water Clan through her maternal grandfather and the Mexican Clan through her paternal grandfather. She earned a B.S. in Wildlife Science from New Mexico State University and began her federal career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2002.
During more than two decades of federal service, Melissa worked as a wildlife biologist, coordinator of the National Native Youth Climate Adaptation and Leadership Congress, Regional Native American Liaison, and a National Park Service Native American Affairs Program Manager. Her work focused on Tribal relations, Indigenous leadership, conservation, climate adaptation, and strengthening government-to-government relationships. She also helped create opportunities for Native youth to become the next generation of Indigenous conservation leaders.
Melissa is pursuing a Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School, where she is building her expertise in leadership, policy, governance, and management. Her interests include entrepreneurship and social impact, especially community-driven approaches to sustainable economic development on Tribal lands. She is particularly interested in ecotourism and outdoor recreation that support Tribal sovereignty, protect cultural values and natural resources, and benefit future generations.
Over the next five years, Melissa hopes to bring together Indigenous leadership, public policy, conservation, and entrepreneurship to expand opportunities for Tribal communities and build stronger, more ethical institutions. She aims to serve as a bridge between communities, governments, and organizations, helping turn ideas into lasting action.
Outside of work and school, Melissa enjoys snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, running, working out, reading and watching horror and science fiction, and spending time with her dog, Sage.
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