Watershed Watch is excited to welcome Melissa Desousa to the team as our new Operations Manager. To help you get to know her a bit better, we asked her a couple of questions about who she is and what drew her to work with us at Watershed Watch.

Melissa, can you tell us a bit about your background and what you were doing before joining the team?

I’ve worked across municipal, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, which has given me a really well-rounded operational background. Before joining Watershed Watch, I was the Operations Manager for a nonprofit social enterprise that provided workplace training for people facing barriers such as mental health challenges, addiction, and homelessness. We supported participants in finding long-term employment, and we also ran a catering program serving shelters, SROs, corporate clients, and community events.

What drew you to Watershed Watch Salmon Society and this role in particular?

Operations Manager Melissa Desousa

I’ve always loved the outdoors, and at my core, I’m motivated by work that helps people and communities. When I saw an organization using science-based information to protect salmon and watersheds, I immediately felt aligned. Watershed Watch is doing meaningful, tangible work for both communities and the environment and I knew I wanted to be part of that.

In a nutshell, what does an Operations Manager do at Watershed Watch?

I’ve heard Operations Managers described as the “wizard behind the curtain,” and I think that’s pretty accurate. You may not always see me, but I’m working hard to make sure the organization has what it needs to keep moving forward. This includes budgets, insurance, financial oversight, grant support, payroll, HR… all the behind-the-scenes pieces that keep everything running smoothly and allow the organization to thrive.

What part of the role are you most excited to dig into right now?

I’ve been really impressed by the level of community support Watershed Watch has. The volunteers and donors are such a big part of what keeps this work going. I’m excited to learn more about how we connect with and support that community, and how operations can strengthen those relationships behind the scenes.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your work or career path?

I started out as a waitress and later worked in warehousing before deciding to go back to school. Once I had my daughter, I knew I wanted to build a career that matched my ambition. Going to college full-time while working and raising a child as a single parent was one of the hardest times of my life, there definitely wasn’t much of a social life during those years! I was incredibly lucky to have my mom’s support. Looking back, it was all worth it. I now have a career I love and get to work with an incredible team.

When you’re not working, how do you like to unwind or spend your time?

I’m an avid backyard gardener and love growing and preserving my own food. There’s something grounding about being outside with my dogs running around while I’m in the garden. I’ve also recently discovered a deep appreciation for pickling, which has turned into a bit of an obsession.

Do you have a favourite place in nature — or a spot that helps you recharge?

Tofino and Ucluelet are my go-to spots. Whether it’s camping or staying in a cozy cabin, being close to the ocean always helps me reset. My husband and I were married on Mackenzie Beach, so that area holds a lot of sentimental value as well.

What are you most looking forward to as you get settled in with the Watershed Watch team?

I’m really looking forward to learning more about habitat conservation and what it takes to influence policy change. I don’t come from a conservation or eco-justice background, but I’m surrounded by incredibly knowledgeable and passionate people. I’m excited to listen, learn, and contribute in ways that support the powerful work already happening.