Melissa Battah

Melissa Battah earned a bachelor's degree from Palm Beach Atlantic College in 2001 and a graduate degree from the School for International Training in 2011. Her career experience includes working in nonprofit management.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

With decades in the nonprofit sector, I bring experience in budget management, conflict resolution, public relations, and collaboration. Beginning my career in college, I created an after-school program for college students to tutor kids. I have worked around the world teaching English in Nepal, coordinating volunteers in Thailand, and managing grants in Israel. ​After completing a master’s degree in Conflict Transformation & Sustainable Development from the School for International Training in Brattleboro in 2008, I decided to make Vermont my home along with my husband Shadi and 2 kids. Vermonters remind me of the village I grew up in; a place where everyone knows, cares and looks out for one another. I have volunteered at the Greater Barre Community Justice Center, the Education Justice Coalition of Vermont, and as a coach with the BYSA. I have served on the Governor’s Council on Pathways from Poverty and currently serve as the Chair of the Good Samaritan Haven board and am the Barre Town representative on the BUUSD Curriculum Committee. I am a member at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Barre.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The WAS-ORA district is a place to live: From granite quarries, to hiking and biking trails, to sledding hills to playgrounds to VAST, the WAS-ORA district provides a myriad of outdoor opportunities to connect us to nature. I commit to bringing fresh ideas for future generations while preserving the beauty which has been entrusted to us to pass along to them.The WAS-ORA district is a place to grow: Whether you own a shop, work from home or are an employee of one of the dozens of businesses in Barre Town, Graniteville, Websterville or Williamstown, making our district a desirable place to take a risk helps us grow so our communities can thrive. I commit to ensuring that future generations have the skills to become engaged entrepreneurs in our community.The WAS-ORA district is a place to thrive: Quality education, a wide range of activities which bring the community together and safe neighborhoods, are just a few examples of what makes the WAS-ORA district a desirable place to put down roots and grow. I commit to listening to the needs of our community and build on the foundations which have been laid.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Central Vermont and especially our district needs more affordable, quality childcare. Working families are unduly burdened by the lack of childcare in general, let alone places that are affordable. Another piece which impacts more and more working families is creating a Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program. Many of us are facing the burden of caring for both our young children and aging parents. Without this support, caregivers (mostly women) are forced to leave the workforce in order to care for our loved ones. A third issue impacting our working families is the lack of affordable housing. Any policy that will increase the number of units that can safely come onto the market and are affordable for Vermonters, I would gladly listen to. Finally, strengthening our democracy. I'm proud that Vermont sets a standard for access to democracy by allowing for same day registration, open primaries and mailing general election ballots to all registered voters. I will continue to support and promote a vibrant democracy.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at the age of 13. I was a mother's helper for one of my mom's best friends. I would join her family 2-3 nights per week and play with her two boys while she made dinner and took care of household chores. Eventually, as I grew older and became more responsible, I would watch them on a weekend night while the parents went out. When I was old enough to drive, I helped out taking the then 4 kids to various sports activities. I continued working for that family through college by going on vacations with them as a nanny and even staying at their home with the kids while they went on work trips. In total, I held this side gig for 10 years.