Melissa Abad

Melissa Abad is Faculty Lecturer at Santa Clara University where she develops and teaches undergraduate courses in Principles of Sociology, Social Problems, and Survey Methods. Additionally, Professor Abad engages students through innovative teaching methods, enhancing their understanding of sociological concepts drawing on her research and consulting in technology and nonprofit sectors.

Her research examines the occupational trajectories of women of color and the resources that help their leadership development. Abad’s scholarly research lies at the intersection of organizational sociology and intersectionality. Current projects include identifying the strategies women of color employ to advance their careers, how these differ by racial/ ethnic group, and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of diversity programming. She has given talks and workshops on intersectionality, diversity management, and women of color leadership.  

She received her doctorate in sociology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, a master’s from the University of Chicago, and an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University. Professor Abad was previously a senior research scholar at the Stanford VMware Women's Leadership Innovation Lab and led the intersectional leadership research agenda. More information is available at melissaabad.com.