Melissa McGlashan
Executive Assistant
Melissa McGlashan joined the Institute in 2024 as an executive assistant and consultant. Among her professional experience include positions as a writer, editor, researcher, analyst, project manager, and event planner. Most recently, she has been responsible for providing accurate, well-written, thoroughly researched, and stylistically appropriate social histories—a critical component of neuropsychological evaluations. She has also previously managed and coordinated speakers and sessions for an annual regional conference bringing together diverse
women in a community setting.
From 2002-2011, Melissa worked for nine years as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Office of South American Affairs. In that role, she was afforded opportunities to contribute meaningfully, both in preparing political analyses that helped policymakers confront difficult policy issues as well as working overseas to help evaluate and implement policy directly. She also worked diligently during this time to help track the whereabouts and well-being of three American hostages held by Colombian rebels for five years, including regular communication with the hostages’ families.
Melissa earned a BA in Economics with Spanish from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee as well as a Master of Public Affairs and an MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. During her advanced studies, she was awarded a Presidential Management Fellowship, a Pickle Fellowship, a Biehl International Research Grant, and two academic excellence awards.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and family dog; traveling; volunteering; and almost all manner of activity, but especially running, hiking, swimming, paddling, and scuba.
Chaunte Lowe, A Hero Among Us
Every other time, I’ve ran for myself, my kids, my family, for my country. But this time, it’s not about me. It’s more about any woman, any person, that could contract this disease. If they hear my story, maybe they’ll get checked. I know that it will save lives.
