Melissa Arias studied religion, Latinx studies and comparative literature at Williams College. After graduating, she worked as a paralegal representing children suffering from health issues related to toxic exposure. As part of this work she witnessed some of the dire consequences of unsustainable and unethical food and energy models and became interested in sustainable alternatives. As a graduate student at Union Theological Seminary, she focused on eco-feminism and complemented this academic research with some practical experience as a New York Sun Works intern. Today she works as part of the greenhouse team, helping teachers and students all over the city with their hydroponic labs.