Melissa Liu
About Melissa Liu
Melissa Liu serves as the Chief Of Staff at Okra Solar, where she has been instrumental in managing growth and implementing training programs since 2022. Her previous roles include leadership positions at EnergyLab Cambodia and Engineers Without Borders Australia, along with a strong academic background in engineering and Chinese studies.
Work at Okra Solar
Melissa Liu has served as Chief Of Staff at Okra Solar since 2022, contributing to the company's strategic initiatives. In this role, she implemented training and development programs for team leads, focusing on management, leadership, and culture. She played a significant role in managing the growth plan following the Series A funding, which involved adding 22 new hires in 2024 and enhancing HR processes. Additionally, she led a company values refresh, updating the framework and promoting company values through storytelling.
Previous Experience at EnergyLab Cambodia
Prior to her current role, Melissa worked at EnergyLab Cambodia, initially as Program Manager from 2019 to 2020 for nine months, and later as Country Manager from 2020 to 2022 for two years. During her tenure, she contributed to various programs aimed at promoting sustainable energy solutions in Cambodia, leveraging her expertise in program management and leadership.
Leadership Roles in Engineers Without Borders Australia
Melissa served as the UWA Chapter President for Engineers Without Borders Australia from 2014 to 2015. In this leadership position, she was involved in initiatives that focused on humanitarian engineering and development. Her engagement with the organization reflects her commitment to applying engineering skills in service of communities.
Educational Background
Melissa Liu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Science and Chinese from The University of Western Australia, where she studied from 2011 to 2013. She also earned a Master of Professional Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the same institution from 2014 to 2015. Additionally, she studied Chinese Studies at Zhejiang University in 2012. Her educational background equips her with a strong foundation in both engineering and cultural studies.
Coaching and Development Initiatives
In 2021, Melissa obtained a coaching certification from the Ministry of Education, allowing her to coach leaders through career transitions on a part-time basis. This role complements her professional experience by enhancing her skills in leadership development and mentoring, further supporting her initiatives at Okra Solar.