Melanie is SMDF’s Program and Development Manager, tasked with being the primary liaison with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Since graduating from the University of Miami with Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Development and in Latin American and Caribbean Studies in 2012, Melanie has been active in community development.

Upon returning to St. Maarten in 2012, she began volunteering with Be the Change Foundation, which was established by her aunt, the late Erika Cannegieter. She assumed the role of President of the foundation in January 2015, working to highlight the work of NGOs and encourage volunteerism. In addition to her efforts with Be the Change Foundation, Choisy has also served as a Project Manager for SXM Doet since December 2014.

In her role as Program and Development Manager, Melanie maintains communication with our clients, evaluates new grant applications, monitors funded programs and projects and develops new sources of donor contributions.