Dr. Melissa Abad

Melissa V. Abad, PhD, is a sociologist, race scholar, organizational theorist, and public sociologist whose work focuses on women of color and their experiences in the workplace. Her research examines how women of color navigate the organization of work and how workplace policies shape their professional journeys. Bringing organizational theory into conversation with intersectionality, Dr. Abad explores relationships between people of color and the organizations where they work, with particular attention to women of color professionals.

A central aim of her work is to make these professionals’ experiences visible, identify the strategies they use to manage workplace tensions, and illuminate the labor-market and organizational practices that can constrain career advancement. She shares her research and perspectives through academic conferences, corporate workshops, and diversity and leadership events. Her presentations have included the American Sociological Association, Grace Hopper Celebration, Latinx in Tech, SIGGRAPH Diversity Summit, California Latina Leadership Institute, and Silicon Valley Latina Coalition. Dr. Abad is currently a Lecturer in the Sociology Department at Santa Clara University.