Melissa Korta honored with Harvard Hero Award

Melissa Korta, Coordinator, Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs

Melissa Korta, Coordinator in the Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs (OCP), was among 60 outstanding Harvard staff members from across the University who were elected Harvard Heroes for 2017. Harvard Heroes celebrates the accomplishments of Harvard staff whose work supports the mission of Harvard at the highest levels of contribution, impact and excellence. The annual celebration was held Monday, June 5th, at the Sanders Theatre. Hundreds of staff members from across the university filled the theater and applauded their colleagues for their strong commitment to excellence.

“Three words come to mind when I think of Melissa Korta – anticipation, execution, and excellence”, said Lisa Dealy, Assistant Dean of Clinical and Pro Bono programs. “She anticipates problems, makes sure that we solve them, and that we solve them in a comprehensive way. Melissa’s job requires her to touch every part of our operations, including facilitating relationships with a large group of faculty, staff, students, supervisors, and potential clients of our clinics. She juggles this complexity with ease – her high energy and level of engagement are contagious.”

Melissa started working at OCP in 2012 and was promoted from staff assistant in 2014. She has twice won HLS’s Peer to Peer Award, an employee-owned program that offers staff members a way to acknowledge and express appreciation for co-workers who make a difference in everyday work life.  Also, this year, Melissa was part of the advisory board to HLS’s Emerging Leaders program, a staff run development program focused on developing leadership skills through educational sessions, mentoring events, and community service.

In the words of Lisa Dealy, Melissa “is the glue that holds the office together and she does everything with her characteristic efficiency and good humor!”