Conference Speakers

Melissa is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Western Washington University, an education and organizational consultant, and an author. She was just named the recipient of the 2025 Peter J. Elich Excellence in Teaching Award at Western Washington University.

Melissa's primary research centers on social mobility, inequality, and the role that organizations play in shaping individuals’ pathways and experiences. She has published research that explores this dynamic in the contexts of education, social services, law, and medicine. Her book, Polished: College, Class, and the Burden of Social Mobility (University of Chicago Press), examines how selective colleges reshape first-generation students and considers the impact this process has on these students as they navigate expected and unexpected challenges during college. Polished was recently selected as a 2024 Outstanding Academic Title by Choice and featured as Book of the Day by the New Books Network. 

Melissa was a first-generation student from a working-class background that started her academic trajectory as a non-traditional adult learner in community college. She is an alumna of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (2010 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, 2013 Grad Scholar) and received her AA from Umpqua Community College in 2010, her BA from Reed College in 2013, and her MA and PhD from the University of Chicago in 2015 and 2019 respectively.

Hailing from the Portland metro area, Alex is a former professional athlete for the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, a University of Hawaii record holder, and proud father. He has an impressive sports background, but what truly sets Alex apart is his passion for motivational speaking, mentoring, and writing. 

Traveling the country, Alex has spoken at schools, seminars, conferences, organizations, NFL teams and churches. With a student athlete success program, Alex is mentoring youth in the local community and overseas in Europe, making a positive impact on tomorrow's leaders. 

As an author of the children's book, Dream And Believe; AJ Wants to Play Football, Alex inspires young minds with stories of overcoming obstacles and believing in themselves. He also teaches the importance of character building, excellence, and a strong work ethic for success as a high school football coach.

Modeling his brand “Drelieve” (a Dream and Believe portmanteau), Alex encourages all to Dream Big and Believe in yourself.