Melis Kaya joined Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA (Sasakawa USA) in May 2026 and serves as an administrative assistant.
Prior to joining Sasakawa USA, Melis worked as a partner representative in higher-ed technology.
Melis graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, with a minor in Japan Studies. She is currently pursuing her Masters in East Asian Studies at George Washington University, with a focus on strengthening US-Japan relations.
