Melody Woods is the Board President of the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency (CCJT) and serves as the Director of Collaborative Engagement at Kalamazoo Defender. A dedicated advocate for criminal justice reform, Melody has built her career around strengthening relationships between communities, service providers, and justice systems while ensuring that individuals impacted by the criminal legal system have meaningful opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, Melody brings a unique and deeply informed perspective to her leadership. After overcoming the challenges associated with having a criminal record and successfully navigating the expungement process herself, she has become a passionate champion for second chances. Her personal journey fuels her commitment to removing barriers that prevent individuals from accessing employment, housing, education, and other opportunities essential to long-term stability and success.

Since 2024, Melody has served as a dedicated volunteer with CCJT, working behind the scenes to support the organization's mission. Whether assisting with community initiatives, contributing to strategic planning, or helping strengthen partnerships, she has consistently demonstrated a servant's heart and a commitment to advancing meaningful change. Her willingness to work quietly in the background before stepping into a leadership role reflects her belief that lasting impact is built through service, collaboration, and trust.

In her role at Kalamazoo Defender, Melody leads collaborative engagement initiatives that connect justice-impacted individuals and families with community resources, support services, and reentry opportunities. She has helped organize expungement clinics, community outreach events, and partnerships that empower residents to move forward while strengthening trust between organizations and the communities they serve.

As Board President of CCJT, Melody is committed to advancing transparency, accountability, and equity throughout the criminal justice system. She believes meaningful change is achieved through authentic community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and ensuring that the voices of directly impacted individuals help shape policies and practices.

Known for her compassionate leadership, ability to build lasting partnerships, and unwavering dedication to justice, Melody continues to be a respected leader throughout Kalamazoo County. Her leadership reflects CCJT's belief that meaningful reform is achieved when communities, institutions, and directly impacted individuals work together to create a more transparent, accountable, and equitable criminal justice system.