Melissa Sippel '13, G'15, has built a career rooted in service, communication, and community connection. Today, she serves as the Director of Communication and Community Engagement for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office in Northampton, where she helps strengthen relationships between the justice system and the communities it serves across Hampshire and Franklin Counties.
What drew you to your current role?
My background includes working as a police officer and later doing civil investigative work with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Department of Mental Health. When this position became open, I realized it brought together everything I had done in law enforcement with the communications and marketing skills I developed earlier in my career. I’ve found it’s a great place to work, and I really believe in the mission. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, then your job is just a job. My work has purpose because I believe in what we do.
What does a typical day look like to you?
There really isn’t a typical day. One morning I might be representing the District Attorney’s Office at a community event. Another day I may need to quickly prepare and distribute a press release after a court verdict comes in. I also serve as a point person for reporters and help make sure information is shared with the public in a timely and responsible way. Another day, I might be in the schools talking about a program with one of our partners.
Can you share an initiative from the DA Office that has a strong impact on the community?
I do a lot of outreach around our Drug Diversion and Treatment Program. It gives people whose charges are driven by substance use the opportunity to receive treatment instead of going through the traditional court process. If they complete the program successfully, their charges may be dismissed. That can make a real difference in someone’s future, especially when it comes to employment, housing, and education.
I’m also helping expand the Handle With Care initiative in Franklin County. When officers respond to a situation involving a school-aged child who may have experienced trauma, the school receives a simple notification so teachers know the student may need extra support. It’s a small step, but it can make a lasting difference.
What skills are important in your role?
Strong writing is essential because press releases are an important part of what I do. It’s also important to be able to communicate with people of all ages, stay level-headed, and remember that I represent the District Attorney and the Office—not just myself.
You also teach at Bay Path. What does that experience mean to you?
I teach Introduction to Criminal Investigations and Criminal Law in Bay Path’s undergraduate program, and I really enjoy helping students understand what public service looks like in real life. I bring them to local court sessions so they can see how the legal system works firsthand, and I invite professionals from the field—often women—to speak with them about their experiences. I want students to see the range of careers available and start thinking about where they might fit.
What advice do you give students considering careers in public service?
Public service has such a strong giving-back component. It’s incredibly rewarding work, and there are so many different ways to make a difference. I encourage students to explore the possibilities and see where their interests and strengths can take them.
How did Bay Path prepare you for your career?
When I first came to Bay Path, I was very shy and didn’t see myself as someone who would speak up in class. By the time I graduated, I was the head tour guide and competing in public speaking competitions. Bay Path helped me find my voice and my place in the world. If I hadn’t gone there, I don’t think I would have the mindset I have today.
