Melinna Sixtos joined McKnight in April 2023 as a program team administrator for grants and program operations, the team that provides the grantmaking and program operations structure, resources, and expertise needed to advance overall program results. Melinna provides administrative and operations support to the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems program team, including scheduling, meeting logistics, and contracts and expense management.
Most recently, Melinna was the operations director for Indigenous Roots, an organization dedicated to building, supporting, and cultivating opportunities for Native, Black, Brown and Indigenous peoples through cultural arts and activism. In this role, she managed everything from the organization’s budget and key business processes, to vendor contracts and other important relationships. Prior to that, Melinna held administrative roles at a range of institutions, including US Bank Corp, CoMotion Center for Movement, Neighborhood Development Center, Dayton’s Bluff Community Council, Saint Paul Public Schools, and the Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul.
Melinna has a bachelor of science in business administration from Metropolitan State University. She is passionate about supporting work in equity and inclusion across all communities. She lives in Saint Paul with her dog Minnie, who she loves to spoil. She likes to express her creativity with coloring books and coloring her own hair, and enjoys traveling, trying new food, and spending time with friends and family.