Melissa has over 15 years of deep experience in housing development, finance, and social and economic policy. Her varied experience in corporate, public, and nonprofit sectors provides her with a unique perspective in addressing the built and social environments. She is a co-founder of Developed. By Women. A nonprofit committed to elevating women in real estate development. This role is complimentary to her role as Lead Developer for Giv Communities. In both capacities, she focuses on multi-family mixed-use affordable development, permanent supportive housing, and master planning projects. She has most recently applied this knowledge in how to best redevelop an old, and beloved, elementary school into a community resource center and permanent supportive housing project. Melissa is the mama of 3, the partner of 1, and the best friend of a .05 terrier/chihuahua mix. Her family and work are her passion and her joy.

Claudia Loayza is a professional in government and community relations, with a strong background in planning and the built environment. She is dedicated to fostering communities that thrive in place. Claudia earned her Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University and completed her Master’s in City and Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah in 2022. In 2021, she was recognized as one of Utah Business’s 20 in Their 20s for her impactful work with the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs. She now works as an associate developer at Developed. By Women., a nonprofit and sister organization to Giv Group, which creates opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to learn about, own, and invest in real estate development in sustainable and collaborative ways. She is also the principal curator for Magnify Utah, a learning and resource hub under the Division of Multicultural Affairs that streamlines statewide information and resources to support individuals looking to establish connections to their statewide community, as well as those starting a new chapter. As a proud first-generation Utahn, Claudia values the importance of bridging differences and pursuing common goals to drive innovative solutions that connect people and places. She is passionately committed to creating opportunities that uplift all communities in Utah.