Biography

About
A “California Native”, Melony was born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles. When the first STEM programs started at the LAUSD inner-city schools, Melony was the first-generation of participants. It was from this program that Melony discovered a love for technology and science, and she pursued a vocation in computers at a time with very few females in technology. Her father’s younger brothers and sisters all graduated college to later become educators, but her father passed up a full scholarship to stay and help his parents with their farm and work as the eldest son. So, Melony became the first in her family to attend college, graduating from California State University Northridge with a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering. Melony’s two younger sisters later attended and graduated from universities with M.A. degrees in Education and in Public Administration, respectively. In gratitude for her parents’ sacrifices to put them through college, Melony bought a house for her parents to live for the remainder of their life.

Melony started her career as a semiconductor engineer, migrating to information technology infrastructure and operations. Her 25+ years in technology spans businesses including automotive, defense, manufacturing, software, medical, computer, semiconductors, private & public education. Prior to the pandemic shutdown, Melony also managed IT for icons The Queen Mary, the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, and the Banc of California Stadium.

What I Love about MD
To ensure the next generation of leaders and role models, it is important to provide teachers and the school with competitive technology and tools. What I also enjoy about Mater Dei is the positive energy of staff and student alike. I believe the role of an engineer is “to design technology to fit a person's needs, rather than make the person to fit the technology”. A successful I.T. leader empowers people by providing “I” (Information), as well as “T” (Technology). I wish to impart these to Mater Dei as I have for other employers.

Education & Accomplishments
Bachelors Science in Engineering – California State University Northridge; Adjunct Professor – USI College; CA Credential Teacher – SAUSD-ROP; USC Auxiliary Services Cardinal Award; City of Los Angeles Certificate of Tribute.

At MD since: 2022