Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Melissa Reyes served over thirty-five years as a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officer (Communications and Electronics Engineering Officer (CELE) and specialized in space capabilities for the CAF. Her various military experiences, around the world and Canada, have given her a sound knowledge of satellites and space systems, operations, and management. Among her many assignments, Melissa worked at the Canadian Space Agency, 12th Space Warning Squadron Greenland, North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Headquarters, and Kandahar Airfield (Afghanistan). She finished her CAF years as the Section Head for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Space Systems, within the Royal Canadian Air Force. She is now working as a civilian space analyst to help address military space capability gaps in order to build a Canadian military that is shaped, prepared and ready for the future.

Melissa received her Master of Sciences Degree in Remote Sensing (satellite imagery), from the University of Colorado, and completed the International Space University / Space Studies Program in 2012. Melissa has been involved in many Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives and employment equity groups and events throughout her military career. She is grateful and honoured to have served with an extraordinary group of military members, public servants and colleagues as well as civilian organizations, making some lasting friendships and to have also made friendships through her participation in CAF sports. She is also honoured for the opportunity to be a mentor for Women in Aerospace – Canada.