Meet Melissa

Superpower she wishes she had: The ability to fly, to be able to jump in the air and fly when I want to, swirls, whirls, back flips, then super speed weaving. I have dreams where I tell people I can fly, and they are as one would be rather doubtful to say the least – so I then jump in the air and fly and… say… “See, I can fly,” as I swerve over their heads, and then land on my feet… *pops collar*

Guilty pleasure: Fashion magazines – started at age 12. My best friend and I would go through the latest issue of Vogue magazine and critique every model, fashion, and style. We were ruthless… *smiles*

Fantasy job: Flying trapeze artist and/or tambourine girl in a post-pop punk band.

Stress release: Cleaning, obsessively cleaning (I go through spray cleaner literally every 2–3 weeks)… scrubbing floors on hands and knees; quick set of stomach crunches, my own little routine; and tattoos.

Most embarrassing uniform: Short-sleeved candy-striped dress with white–rounded collar and white cuffs – made from fabric that caused one to have to constantly pull the dress down (nonchalantly, of course); white apron; nude hosiery with white ankle socks; white tennis shoes; and – to add to this “couture” – a white tiara. The look was meant to be “the sexy girl next door” – you tell me!

Common phrase: Seriously, for real… like for real?

Job least likely to appear on resume: Cigarette Girl at an underground club – at age 22. I was supposed to give the affect of the Cigarette Girl in Desperately Seeking Susan – film with Madonna and Rosanna Arquette, directed by Susan Sieldelman, great director, and ensemble cast – switching-off as a go-go dancer… the old school kind like in those 60’s movies.

Blessings/curses:  Thoroughness, tenacity, exhaustive research skills, humor, and the ability to minimize my emotions (I find them inconvenient, although I try not to apply that to others).

Passionate about: The original people of this land, the native Americans; migrant rights; marginalized voices; true voices of change and action; my guests, every single person I have had the honor to dialogue with on KPFK’s Feminist Magazine has seriously touched my life in so many ways; the incredible women I work with; the staff at KPFK, each and every one of them are really a treasure; my family (blood and by choice); and my friends.

Family nuance:  We don’t cut the umbilical chord – metaphorically speaking, of course.