Welcome, Mélissa Gutierrez, Our New General Manager!
We are thrilled to announce that Mélissa Gutierrez has joined Humanist Canada as our new General Manager!
Mélissa brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, working both in Canada and internationally to advance human rights, education, and social justice. With a Master’s degree in International Law specializing in Human Rights and a Certificate in Project Management, she has led transformative initiatives that empower communities, foster diversity, and drive positive change.
Throughout her career, Mélissa has successfully managed programs, secured major grants and sponsorships, and built vibrant communities through education and engagement. Most recently, as Director of Operations at Agile Montreal, she managed communications and daily operations for over 1,500 members and 150 volunteers, while coordinating more than 40 events annually. Her previous roles include serving as a Senior Program Manager at ICTC and spearheading international educational initiatives with CIVIX, reaching over 100,000 students during Colombia’s presidential election.
Mélissa’s deep connection to Humanist values stems from her upbringing as the child of immigrants and her global experiences, which have instilled in her a commitment to empathy, social justice, and lifelong learning. She believes that Humanism is not just a philosophy but a way of life—one rooted in compassion, critical thinking, and the pursuit of a fair and inclusive society.
In her first few months, Mélissa is excited to focus on strengthening community engagement, expanding programs and webinars, and creating new opportunities for collaboration. She approaches her work with authenticity, active listening, and a genuine commitment to building strong relationships with members, volunteers, and partners.
Outside of work, Mélissa is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, water sports, gardening, and personal challenges—having climbed Mount Washington and set her sights on Machu Picchu next. She’s also a passionate learner, recently diving into the world of artificial intelligence.
A favourite quote that inspires her approach comes from Maya Angelou:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Mélissa strives to bring empathy, respect, and a human touch to everything she does.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Mélissa to the Humanist Canada community! We are excited for all that we will achieve together.