January 2025 Volunteer of the Month: Melinda Figueroa

Melinda Figueroa
Melinda Figueroa

This month, DNAngels proudly honors Melinda Figueroa as our Volunteer of the Month! Melinda’s exceptional skills, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission have set her apart as an invaluable member of our team.

Angel Team Lead shares Heidi Billingsley Keuper, “I first met Melinda in February 2024 when she was assigned as a researcher on a particularly challenging adoption case I was working on. Right away, I was struck by her incredible determination, sharp skills, and unrelenting dedication.”

The case involved target testing and had reached a standstill, but Melinda refused to give up. Her perseverance and innovative approach were instrumental in solving the biological father side of the case—a pivotal breakthrough that demonstrated her immense potential. From that moment, it was clear that Melinda had a bright future with DNAngels.

Since then, Melinda has continued to grow and excel. Her interactions with clients have been nothing short of stellar. Her ability to navigate genetic networks with precision, combined with her innate Angel thinking, has been crucial in solving cases and providing life-changing answers to those seeking them.

Now, Melinda is just a few cases away from stepping into the role of an independent Angel—where she will undoubtedly continue to transform even more lives. We cannot wait to see the incredible impact she will have as she embarks on this next chapter of her journey with DNAngels.

Founder and Executive Director Laura Olmsted states, “Melinda is a team player and always looking out for the best interest of the organization. She is full of ideas and doesn’t hesitate to reach out if she sees something that could be fine-tuned within our standard operating procedures.” Melinda is also a two-time Volunteer of the Month, previously recognized in January 2025—a testament to her continued excellence and contributions.

Genetic Genealogist & Research Team Member Amy Elizabeth adds, “During her time on the research team, Melinda has consistently demonstrated a remarkable willingness to contribute to every aspect of case-solving. Whether meticulously mapping small DNA matches or diving deep into records to uncover critical breakthroughs, she approaches every task with dedication and a willingness to learn. Melinda is an invaluable asset to DNAngels, and we are truly fortunate to have her on our team.”

Congratulations, Melinda Figueroa, and thank you for all you do! Your hard work, compassion, and dedication are truly inspiring. We are so grateful to have you as part of the DNAngels family!

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