On the Job with Melissa
- Kayla Burkholder
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Cook & Catering Captain at Wagster
This Memorial Day, we honor the resilience, service, and transformation of veteran Melissa Williams - who transitioned from a 10-year career in logistics for the U.S. Army to working alongside a team recovering from homelessness at Wagster in Novato, California. After graduating from the program, Melissa didn’t just join the kitchen team—she stepped up. As part of the production crew making over 15,000 meals for shelter and housing programs, Melissa has filled key leadership roles during staff shortages and earned the trust of both her peers and supervisors. By sharing her story, we aim to highlight how your purchases directly empower lives and build brighter futures.
Coming to this organization ended a lot of chaos in my life. The culinary training and this job give me another way to go forward.
Melissa Williams
Tell us your name and where you work?
My name is Melissa Williams and I am the Cook & Catering Captain for Wagster.
How did you feel when you first landed this job?
I was super happy. I was excited that I get to do something different and learn more in the kitchen.
Tell us what your typical day at Wagster looks like.
I don’t have a typical day. Our kitchen is very busy with Wagster, producing meals for the shelter and housing, and making menus for catering events. When the culinary class is here, it can get crowded. Right now I am a prep cook for meals and work front-of-house with guests at events.
How has your future changed because of this opportunity?
It builds my self-confidence. Coming to this organization ended a lot of chaos in my life. The culinary training and this job give me another way to go forward.
What's your favorite thing about working at Wagster?
Everybody here does well together, we have teamwork. We care about getting the job done and if something is falling behind, someone will pitch in to help.
What would you tell people considering buying your products?
Wagster Treats are very natural, they have no allergens. They taste good! And for the people making them, it means a lot.
About Wagster
When you choose Wagster Treats, you are directly helping to create jobs for a team transitioning out of homelessness—including veterans like Melissa. They reinvest 100% of their proceeds to support job skills and career opportunities for their culinary academy graduates who are moving out of homelessness on towards a more stable future.
Order some nutritious goodness for your canine guests while helping our dog-loving bakers gain the skills they need to thrive!