Melany Justice serves as Senior Director of People & Operations at DFI, where she leads organizational efforts to strengthen people systems, culture, and operations. In this role, she designs and manages processes that shape the staff experience — from hiring and onboarding to professional learning, compensation, and performance frameworks — ensuring that fairness, clarity, and sustainability are at the center of how the organization operates.
I bring over a decade of experience at the intersection of talent management, education, and organizational strategy. At DFI, I draw on this background to strengthen people systems, culture, and operations in ways that center fairness, clarity, and sustainability.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to aspiring or new teachers?
Do it for the one — the one student who lights up when something clicks. Celebrate the wins, big and small, and remember that you’re making a difference even if it doesn’t always feel that way in the moment.
As a fully remote organization, DFI team members work from home. Describe your dream home office/desk.
My desk setup is pretty minimal — just my laptop, pens, and lots of water — but my favorite feature is my walking pad, which keeps me moving during long workdays.
What's a local place or activity you would want DFI colleagues and/or program partners to experience if they came to your town?
I’d take them to the UDairy Creamery — nothing beats local ice cream made right on campus!