Speakers:

Michelle Martin, an attorney with more than 20 years of experience in civil rights matters, has served as the Supervisor of the Community Relations Division since 2021. As the Community Relations Supervisor, Michelle serves as the ADA Coordinator of the City; supervises the discrimination investigations for housing, employment, and public accommodation cases; and assists with homeless prevention projects for the City of Salina. Prior to joining the City of Salina, Michelle was the CEO/Executive Director for Catholic Charities of Northern Kansa for over 6 years. Michelle received her Juris Doctor from University of Kansas School of Law and has a Bachelor of Science – Advertising from A.Q Miller School of Journalism & Mass Communications.

Marissa Patton has served as a Community Relations Specialist since 2021. In this role, Marissa handles the discrimination investigations for housing, employment, and public accommodation cases from intake to completion. Marissa helps encourages accessibility throughout the city and that ensures that ADA laws are being complied. Marissa manages the Emergency Solutions Grant, which helps brings funding to our emergency shelters. Prior to joining the City of Salina, Marissa has worked in child welfare. Marissa received her bachelor’s degree from McPherson College.