Employee Spotlight: From Ward 5 to All of Seabury: Melvina’s Lasting Impact

This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on someone whose impact is felt across nearly every part of the organization.

Melvina Robinson-Bass joined the Seabury family in 2019, bringing with her a calm presence, a keen attention to detail, and a warm sense of humor that makes every conversation feel like catching up with an old friend. She started at our Ward 5 site and quickly became someone everyone depends on—not just for her role in accounting, but for keeping so many of Seabury’s operations running like clockwork.

A Cross-Department Powerhouse

While Melvina’s title is in accounting, her work touches nearly every department at Seabury. She collaborates closely with Finance, Data, and Program teams to make sure everything is accurate and on track—from payroll and benefits to expense coding, documentation, and reimbursements.

“One of my main responsibilities is submitting reports every month, which go to the DC government for reimbursement,” she explains. “We have to get everything in by the 20th—no matter what day that falls on!”

She may describe it as “just doing her job,” but to the rest of us, she’s a behind-the-scenes powerhouse.

More Than Numbers

Melvina’s work goes beyond spreadsheets. She listens. She takes calls from dining site participants with questions and concerns, and she’s often the first to hear feedback from the community.

“Sometimes people just call to say thank you,” she shares. “They’re so grateful for the meals or the help they’ve received. It really touches me.”

Those little details—like reconciling donations for dining site prizes or tracking down a legacy gift—are part of what makes Seabury’s programs successful. She knows that when the books aren’t right, critical services can’t move forward.

“It might seem small, but coding accurately is extremely important for funding and reporting purposes,” she adds.

Balancing Work and Life

When the spreadsheets are closed and the office lights are turned off, Melvina unwinds with the simple things: watching her favorite TV shows, going shopping, or taking trips back to her hometown of Virginia to visit her parents.

She also has her sights set on new adventures, with one destination at the top of her list: New Orleans

“It’s on my bucket list. I don’t want to go during Mardi Gras—I just want to enjoy the food, the music, and the atmosphere. I’ve always wanted to try a beignet right there in the city.”

Aging with Intention

Though retirement is on the horizon, she’s not in a hurry. She finds joy in the day-to-day, in being part of a team, and in serving Seabury’s mission with pride.

“Every day won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. But I enjoy what I do, and I love my colleagues. As long as my health allows, I’ll keep showing up—because I want to get it right and make a difference.”

When asked what aging means to her, Melvina reflects with grace:

“I think it’s about being able to enjoy life. I do like working—I like being part of a team, and I enjoy what I do. But I also look forward to the day when I can retire and just take things a little slower. Maybe paint some rooms, spend more time with friends, and just enjoy the simple things like sitting outside and talking with family.”

A Legacy of Quiet Strength

Melvina reminds us that aging isn’t just about growing older—it’s about growing deeper into who we are and what matters most. Her dedication and genuine care make her a vital part of Seabury’s mission. Whether she’s fine-tuning numbers or offering a kind word, she leads with heart and integrity. We’re grateful for all she brings to the team—and the example she sets each day.

Her work may be behind the scenes, but her impact is front and center.

Thank you for everything you do Melvina!