Melanie Barahona

Manager of Operations, Dominican Republic

As Manager of Operations in the Dominican Republic, Melanie is responsible for the planning and execution of the Builds program along with the local team. Her ultimate goal is to provide life-changing experiences for volunteers while they participate in helping build a new home for a deserving family in the communities that we serve.

What do you love about what you do?
My absolute favourite part of my job is visiting the family who will be receiving a new home and giving them this news. Seeing the smiles on their faces and the way their eyes light up is simply priceless. It’s always followed by many hugs and I truly treasure each and every one of these moments.
What would an ideal free day look like for you?
My ideal free day would be hanging at the beach under a palm tree and catching up with old friends who I haven’t seen in a while. And of course, sipping a delicious sangría!
What is something you’ve been meaning to try (and why), but haven’t gotten around to it?
All my life I’ve wanted to learn how to play the piano but never make time for this. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always been drawn to this musical instrument since I was a young child.