Melissa Muchiri is currently completing her Bachelor of Social Science degree at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She majored in Anthropology, Economics and Environmental and Geographical Science and hopes to bring these diverse subjects together in pursuit of an Honours degree in City and Regional Planning as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar. She envisions contributing to various aspects of city-making across the continent of Africa, and strives to create sustainable, just and thriving cities through her passion and expertise.

While at UCT, Melissa engaged in a wide range of activities alongside her academics that included singing in the UCT Choir and serving on their committee. She also served on the TEDxUCT organising team, and was a student consultant at Phaphama Social Enterprise Development Initiative which provides structural support to MSMEs in Cape Town. In 2023, Melissa served as the President of Phaphama SEDI, and led the successful expansion of the program to a new location, establishing a  branch in Stellenbosch.