Paying It Forward

Paying it Forward: Alumni Give Back

Melissa Feskin, MPH, a-IPC

'19, BAS Public Health

 

LWTech Alumna Melissa Feskin Supports Bright Futures

For LWTech alumna Melissa Feskin, giving back is a meaningful way to help create opportunities for the next generation of students—just as others once did for her.

Her Academic Journey

A 2019 Cum Laude graduate of LWTech, Melissa knows firsthand the transformative impact of scholarships. While pursuing her bachelor's degree in Public Health with a focus on Applied Epidemiology, she worked full time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at EvergreenHealth while attending classes at night. Balancing work and school was challenging, and scholarships helped ease the financial burden of pursuing her education. “Scholarships helped me afford my books, and I remember that being a really big thing,” Melissa recalls. “I took out student loans but I still had to work full time. I worked at the hospital as a CNA during the day and took classes at LWTech at night.”

Even with student loans and a full-time job, the costs of education extended beyond tuition and textbooks. Lab coats, course materials, and other required resources added up, making it difficult to afford everything she needed. “I remember taking anatomy and physiology for my epidemiology classes and needing a lab coat,” she says. “I remember using that money and being so grateful. There were so many things in the bookstore that I needed for my courses – some things that weren’t always required but made it easier to be a student, and that I didn’t always have the funds for.”

For Melissa, scholarship support meant more than financial assistance. It helped her access the tools and resources she needed to keep moving forward with her education and build a better future.

Melissa also found encouragement from professors inspired her to aim higher. “LWTech really made a huge difference for me. My professors believed in me and encouraged me to reach for more. They created an environment where I felt supported and made me believe in my own potential. That encouragement made a lasting impact on me,” Melissa says.

Making A Difference

Since graduating from LWTech, Melissa has continued to make an impact in public health. She earned her master's degree in Applied Epidemiology from the University of Arizona and now serves as an Infection Prevention and Control Epidemiologist with the Washington State Department of Health. In this role, she collaborates with public health partners, long-term care facilities, and local health jurisdictions to strengthen infection prevention efforts and protect communities across Washington.

Melissa's dedication to her field is evident through her active involvement in various professional organizations. She is a valued member of the Washington State Department of Health HAI Advisory Committee and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Her expertise and insights have been recognized on a national platform, as she was recently featured on the podcast "AJIC: Science Into Practice," produced by the American Journal of Infection Control. During her appearance, she discussed her first author publication, "Harnessing the Power of Infection Prevention and Public Health Data Systems to Support Healthcare in Washington State During the COVID-19 Pandemic."

Her professional accomplishments and commitment to service were recognized in 2025 when the LWTech Foundation named her the recipient of the Annual Distinguished Alumni Award. Melissa also remains passionate about mentoring aspiring public health professionals and sharing her experiences to help students navigate their own educational and career journeys.

Paying It Forward

Now, Melissa is paying that support forward. This year, she made her first gift to Bright Futures Benefit WEEK, helping provide scholarships and emergency funds for future LWTech students.

Having experienced the difference a scholarship can make, Melissa understands that even seemingly small expenses can become significant barriers for students working hard to balance school, employment, and other responsibilities. Her generosity helps ensure that future students have greater access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Melissa's story is a powerful reminder that the impact of a scholarship doesn't end at graduation. When students receive the financial assistance, encouragement, and resources they need to achieve their goals, they go on to strengthen their communities, inspire others, and open doors for future students.

Please join Melissa in paying it forward. A gift in any amount creates brighter futures for LWTech students.  

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