Temesgen Melashu is a Human Services Coordinator with HSD’s Youth & Family Empowerment division, where she has worked for a little more than three years. She writes about how she works closely with providers to ensure that children and teenagers in our city have access to healthy, nutritious foods to foster environments where children can thrive.
What is your role at Seattle Human Services?
I am currently a Nutrition Specialist in the Youth and Family Empowerment (YFE) division’s Food & Nutrition Unit. I have the pleasure of supporting at-home family daycare providers with tools to ensure the children they care for receive healthy, nutritious meals. My role allows me to work closely with providers, helping them plan meals, ensuring they follow program rules, and create spaces where children can thrive.
What made you want to work in human services?
Joining HSD was a step toward working in a place where I could contribute to meaningful change and a deep belief in the power of connection and community. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of helping others feel supported, creating opportunities, and finding resources no matter their circumstances.
How has your job changed in recent years?
This job is ever-changing because our programs, like the Summer Food Service Program, and Child Care Nutrition Program are federally funded. That means we regularly adapt to new rules from the USDA Food & Nutrition Service. This keeps us on our toes and ensures we’re always learning and adjusting to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
What do you love about your job?
The first few years of a child’s life are so important for their future. Children are constantly developing mentally, emotionally, and physically. I love my job because I get to be a part of that critical journey. When childcare programs provide nutritious meals, children are more likely to grow up healthy and strong. Participating in Child and Adult Care Food Program doesn’t just provide meals, it helps set children on a lifelong path to greater physical health and well-being. Knowing my work supports this growth inspires me every day and reinforces my commitment to helping children thrive.
How do you contribute to HSD’s overarching goals related to racial equity?
My lived experiences have deeply shaped my commitment to advancing racial equity, both in my personal life and in my work at HSD. I am dedicated to ensuring that equity is rooted in every phase of the programs I work on.
What motivates you or keeps you going?
Connecting with the community and directly seeing the faces of those my efforts impact. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that the work I do helps make a real difference in people’s lives. Each interaction reminds me of the importance of my role and the positive ripple effect that can come from small, meaningful actions.
What’s one piece of advice for HSD newcomers or recent graduates in your field?
It’s so important to put yourself out there, not just in your work, but in simple ways like introducing yourself and sharing why you applied for a specific role or what brought you to your unit or division. By taking the time to talk about your journey, what motivates you, and what excites you about your role, you open the door to building genuine connections with colleagues. These connections are what make our work even more impactful as we collaborate and grow together!