ABOUT US
CERTIFIED DIVERSITY PROFESSIONAL & AUTHOR
Melissa Little is certified diversity professional (“CDP”). As a CDP, Melissa leads trainings and facilitates workshops that leads to individuals who are better equipped to handle both interpersonal and structural racism, and workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive. Melissa has worked with school districts, national organizations, and government agencies leading diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings.
Melissa is also the author of the book, "Protecting Our Children Together: Minimizing the Psychological Harms of Racism", and several diversity and inclusion articles including “Implicit Bias: Be an Advocate for Change”, and “Tumultuous Times Requires Engagement by Young Lawyers.” In 2019, Melissa authored a resolution and report seeking additional funding for in-school mental health supports for students experiencing race-based trauma that was adopted as policy by the American Bar Association (“ABA”).
ATTORNEY
Melissa Little has extensive experience representing and providing legal advice to school boards, administrators, teachers, and other school employees as it relates to anti-discrimination laws and compliance matters including in the areas of special education; disability issues under the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the ADA; student discipline; employment law and employee grievances.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Melissa Little has served in leadership roles with various organizations and developed action plans outlining goals and action steps that are centered around diversity and inclusion issues; organized and moderated national programs that target young minority lawyers; and facilitated round-table race discussions.
CERTIFIED MEDIATOR
Melissa Little is a certified mediator with experience helping people in conflict communicate with each other. Melissa Little uses an inclusive model approach where the participants are in charge of whether an agreement or any other outcome is reached. Melissa also has experience representing clients in school related disputes- including resolution meetings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.