We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Grove recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

At this stage in my life it’s hard to pick just ONE “most meaningful project” I’ve worked on. I would say now-a-days I only pick meaningful projects that make a community impact or bring different communities together. I think the choice to support inclusive arts programs was the biggest meaningful decision I have ever made and then from there, the projects showed up and my heart could be 100% committed. If I had to choose one, it would be my last project right before the pandemic. It was an inclusive arts program bringing 7 different San Diego arts organizations together to collaborate in large community event. The organizations specialized in all abilities dance for young adults, wheelchair dancers, arts for the underserved and music for individuals with disabilities. The intention of the project was to shine the light on populations who typically don’t have the opportunities to perform professionally. It was beautiful and worth every hour of work. I continue to hear from the participants and their families about the impact and joy felt at that event. Currently, that is my most meaningful project and I hope to do it again and again.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

For the past 12 years, I have been involved in a community that uses music as the foundation for improving lives and contributing to others. While watching the success of rock camps globally and seeing the positive results, I created a team of musicians and non-profit professionals to bring the mission of empowering girls through music to San Diego. My background in child development allowed me to work as a youth activities coordinator on cruise ships and a Disney event coordinator and host. My true passion for music and the performing arts inspires me to work with non-profits that encourage children to experience performance and complete self-expression. My days are also filled with program possibilities for the Jason Mraz Foundation.

Born in Brazil, raised in California and traveling the world, I love calling San Diego home. Being a proud auntie to six nieces and ten great nieces, I feel passionate about providing young females the tools to help overcome the challenges girls face regularly.

“I believe in building a community that supports a strong identity and encourages collaboration. At Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls San Diego we encourage the girls to embrace their uniqueness and become advocates for themselves and others. We use music as the catalyst to empowerment…it’s fun and educational!”

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I think the biggest proof of my resilience is choosing to create a music organization for San Diego while my father was in hospice. I didn’t know it at the time, but my first week of our 2016 summer camp was while my father was living his last days. I had no idea the strength I had until that week.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I have unlearned the “I can do it myself” mindset. The previous version of myself tried to do everything yet now I believe all projects must have committed team members that truly believe in the mission. Having a team take ownership and leadership in a project is more powerful than doing it yourself. I love leading leaders to lead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rockcampforgirlssd.org/home.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockcampforgirlssd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocknrollcampforgirlsSD?ref=bookmarks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTO8Icg7H8ro6J5Q7Ttjxw

Image Credits
Sharisse Coulter Photography