Dr. Melissa Kim has dedicated 27 years to promoting excellence and equity in education, strategically working to dismantle systemic barriers faced by children and their families while enhancing learning experiences for students and educators alike.
Most recently, she served as the Deputy Director for U.S. Programs at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where she led talent strategy initiatives aimed at strengthening philanthropic practices for deeper impact and stronger partnerships. Previously, as Deputy Chancellor of DC Public Schools, she led 116 schools and spearheaded efforts across multiple offices, including Elementary and Secondary Schools, Teaching and Learning, Leadership Development, School Innovation and Supports, and Strategic Planning resulting in increased achievement and enrollment.
Her extensive background includes roles as an elementary school teacher, middle school principal, partner at NewSchools Venture Fund, founding board member of DC International School, and Chief Academic Officer at KIPP DC. She also serves on the boards of Believe Schools and EmpowerK12 and currently works as an executive coach and consultant.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Pennsylvania, Melissa holds degrees from Colby College, Trinity University, the University of Pennsylvania, and was a fellow of the Broad Center at the Yale School of Management.
Dr. Melissa Kim
