Melissa Sawyer is the kind of person that gets things done. With energy and empathy, she is someone who does not stop asking the question, “What can we do about this need?” And for the span of her entire adult life, she’s been doing just that for some of the most vulnerable children in Southeastern Louisiana.

When Melissa first came to New Orleans from Canada in 1998 through Teach For America, she spent two years teaching special education classes at Booker T. Washington High School. After, Melissa worked with the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana (JJPL). It was through this work that Melissa saw many formerly incarcerated youth struggle and too often become victims of violent crime — without any programs to help them make the difficult transition home. And so, at the age of just 27, Melissa and two of her JJPL colleagues started Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in 2004, the first youth reintegration program of its kind in the state of Louisiana.

In the 18 years since YEP was founded, Melissa has grown it into a comprehensive youth development organization that has been a part of the lives of thousands of children across the Greater New Orleans region.

YEP provides supportive mentoring relationships, enrichment programs and educational support to young people. Many children have found their path in life through YEP programs, and many stay involved after graduating.

Melissa’s dedication shines through even in difficult moments — the program expanded during Hurricane Katrina and COVID shutdowns. She has grown the program to meet the needs of children at home, which includes providing wraparound services and family supports to access food, shelter and other essentials.

In the midst of the incredible challenges of poverty, systemic racism and violence, Melissa has created a safe space of belonging for the city’s young people — many of whom consider it a second home.