Melisa Laelan is the founder and more recently the Chief Executive Director of Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM). Her leadership has led to important roles to change state laws and policies that has helped thousands of immigrants. Her latest policy work has led to the passing of Bill HB 1488 and Bill HB 1789, both that give Marshallese mothers and children protection against human trafficking and adoption schemes. Melisa’s work with the Pasifika community at a national and local level sparked NAOPO’s interest to be our Board Treasurer.