Melissa Mazard is a financial counselor at Tzedek DC. She is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFCPE) with nearly 15 years of experience empowering others to achieve financial wellness. At an early age, she learned that having control over your finances meant having control of your life, and has been driven by this belief ever since.

Melissa's experience ranges from educating grade school students to counseling adults and seniors about financial empowerment. She's taught after-school and summer programs across DC, Maryland and Virginia for organizations such as Montgomery College and Spark Business Academy.

In her former role as an investment advisor, Melissa has guided clients, including teachers in DC, Maryland and California school districts, in navigating money management and retirement planning, and in making sound investment decisions.

At Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, Melissa managed the Montgomery County Finance Park where students in the county experienced life as an adult and practice managing a family budget.

Most recently, Melissa worked with Bank On Maryland and led initiatives to expand banking access to safe and affordable bank accounts for un- and underbanked consumers throughout the state.

Melissa's commitment to financial empowerment extends beyond her professional work. She is a volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offering free tax preparation services to vulnerable households during the tax season. Additionally, she is a member of the District of Columbia's Financial Literacy Council, where she contributes to District-wide efforts to promote financial literacy and empower DC residents to build wealth.