Melissa Rios is a Detroit-based community development leader who currently serves as Deputy Director of Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD), where she has helped guide the organization’s support of neighborhood-based development work since 2023. She is also the Founder and President of RIOS Corp and serves as a Commissioner on Redford Township’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission. Before joining CDAD, Melissa spent nearly a decade at the Detroit Land Bank Authority, rising through roles as Paralegal Manager, Office Manager, Document Control Manager, and ultimately Procurement Manager. She gives back through board service as Vice President of the Board of Directors at Freedom House Detroit. Melissa holds an Associate of Business in Paralegal Studies from Baker College and completed further legal studies at Baker College of Auburn Hills.