Serving Community, Leading Change

With an undergraduate degree in psychology and a background in human services, Melinda Forstey (’15) always knew she wanted to work closely with people and make a difference in their lives.

After moving to San Diego in 2009, Melinda transitioned her career into fundraising and joined Serving Seniors as a development assistant. It was there that she got to see firsthand how mission-driven organizations operate and how they are essential in creating meaningful impact in the community. 

This led Melinda to pursue her MBA at San Diego State University, where her time at SDSU helped shape her approach to management. Earning her MBA gave her a skill set she now uses daily, from strategic planning to financial stewardship skills she believes are fully transferable across industries, especially within the nonprofit sector.

Melinda currently serves as CEO of Serving Seniors, where they are focused on providing critical education and health-focused services to older adults in San Diego County. 

What Melinda loves most about her role is seeing the mission in action every single day. Whether through daily programming, holiday activities, or events like Senior Idol, she finds inspiration in witnessing the direct impact on the lives of those served.