Melvina Ford

About Melvina Ford

I am a former U.S. Department of Labor presidential political appointee and an accomplished executive, nonprofit leader, and litigator, who is committed to improving economic and equal opportunity and promoting diversity and social justice. As the executive director of a national civil rights nonprofit, I managed complex operations, ensured effective risk management, strengthened cash flow, and built a financial reserve. I also developed innovative technology projects, created performance management systems, facilitated board level strategic planning, negotiated commercial contracts, promoted corporate legal compliance, and oversaw large-scale litigation. I have served on the Pro Bono Standing Committee for the U.S. Court of Appeals D.C. Circuit, and, in 2019, I was honored as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

Experience

1. National Legal Director

   Equal Rights Advocates

   Jan 2023 — Present

   Equal Rights Advocates fights for gender justice in workplaces and schools across the country. Since 1974, the ERA has fought on the front lines of social justice to protect and advance rights and opportunities for women, girls, and people of all gender identities. As the National Legal Director, I lead the ERA\'s groundbreaking litigation and bold policy advocacy efforts.

Education

• University of California, Berkeley

  Bachelor's degree

• Georgetown Law

  Doctor of Law (JD)