Hello! I'm Melissa Villagomez

I’m Melissa Villagomez — a storyteller, nonprofit leader, and advocate committed to helping people feel seen, supported, and capable of rewriting their story.As a former foster youth turned nonprofit professional, I’ve spent more than a decade working in philanthropy, community engagement, and youth-serving systems. My lived experience shaped Honey Badger Leadership, a framework rooted in grit, grace, and grounded vision.My work has been featured by the University of San Diego, and I’ve shared my story on the TEDx San Diego stage. In 2025, I served as the Keynote Speaker for the CSU San Marcos Women’s Leadership Summit, speaking on resilience, belonging, and choosing yourself through adversity.Today, I use my voice and leadership approach to empower others — through speaking, consulting, and creative storytelling.
My mission: Help people rise. Help communities heal. Help leaders lead with heart.

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Inspired to Help

Curious about what drives my passion for supporting San Diego's foster youth? Read my interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune to discover the inspiration behind my commitment to empowering these incredible kids. Together, we can make a lasting difference in our community

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TEDxSanDiego Women

Watch My TEDxSanDiego Women Talk!I’m thrilled to share my TEDxSanDiego Women talk, "Breaking the Cycle of Foster Care Through Caring Communities". In this talk, I explore how we can all play a role in transforming the lives of foster youth through compassion and connection.Click the button below to watch and learn how we can make a lasting impact together!

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Book Me for Your Next Event

Are you seeking an inspiring speaker who can captivate your audience and drive meaningful change? I bring a unique blend of personal experience and motivational insight, sharing my journey from foster care to becoming an advocate and speaker. My story resonates with a wide range of audiences—from corporate teams to community foundations—highlighting the power of resilience, determination, and community support.In my talks, I delve into my experiences growing up in foster care, advocating for the support and changes needed to help foster youth thrive. But my message goes beyond that. I also focus on universal themes of overcoming barriers, setting goals, and achieving success against the odds. Whether you're looking to empower your employees, inspire your community, or reinforce your organization’s commitment to social responsibility, my talks provide actionable insights and motivation.Let’s work together to create an event that not only informs but also inspires your audience to take bold steps toward their own goals and to support causes that matter.

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