Welcome to the first post in our “Why I Give” series, where we spotlight the inspiring stories of individuals who support Global Ties Iowa through their unique contributions. Whether through hosting, volunteering, or donating, there are many ways to give and make a lasting impact. We begin this series with Melissa Bates, who gives by welcoming international professional fellows into her company. By opening her doors, Melissa helped foster cultural understanding and professional growth.
Melissa is the Founder and CEO of LSF Medical Solutions, a business she founded in 2022. LSF Medical Solutions is dedicated to building a highly sensitive remote lung monitoring device that provides real-time feedback to providers for patients with chronic lung disease, enabling them, their family, and providers to make treatment decisions.
Melissa got involved with Global Ties Iowa when she hosted participants from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellows Program (YSEALI PFP) in April 2024. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Global Ties Iowa facilitates YSEALI PFP by placing exceptional young professionals with U.S. organizations. The partnership benefits not only the participant but also their U.S. hosts and colleagues, who are able to learn about a different country and culture, as well as receive valuable assistance at the organization where the Fellow is placed.
This spring, Melissa hosted Nicole Yap, a young professional from Singapore and the Head of TechLadies, an NGO that supports women with networking, education, and mentorship for their careers in technical roles. Nicole came into YSEALI PFP aiming to engage with tech experts implementing innovative tech-for-good solutions and projects.
While at LSF Medical Solutions, Nicole worked primarily out of their research lab with various members of the team. She worked on project planning and initial work for their new medical device measuring lung function. She honed her project management skills while learning about doing business in Iowa.
“[Nicole] had worked within her government structure. A lot of what we're doing within my company is trying to understand within our state’s institution, ‘How do we work better.’ Every day, she showed up and gave us feedback,” Melissa said. “She's probably the most careful person I've ever worked with.”
Following their placement in a U.S. company, YSEALI PFP Fellows are required to write a competitively judged reciprocal exchange proposal. Usually being the U.S. placement host, reciprocal exchanges are designed to use the skills the YSEALI Fellow obtained in the U.S. and address a challenge or project they are tackling in their home community. Melissa will be traveling to Singapore in January 2025 to implement her and Nicole’s approved project.
A topic Melissa and Nicole connected over was the issue of getting underrepresented populations, such as women and queer people, involved in technology. As a part of Melissa’s reciprocal exchange, she will speak for Nicole’s program to enrich the Singapore government.
Beyond YSEALI PFP, Melissa has had several direct experiences with people from Global Ties Iowa. She is currently working with Dr. Lucy Amaniyo, a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow at the University of Iowa. She also hosted Redis Bala from Albania this fall for the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program. She said that everyone she has met through Global Ties Iowa has been “exceptional,” aligned with her and her focus, and is appreciative of the collaborative growth.
Regarding hosting for YSEALI PFP and YTILI, Melissa emphasized, “These aren’t interns. These are people who come internationally and scrutinize your business and give you real feedback [...] They look at your business within their vision, and that’s very valuable.”
When asked about what she would say to someone who might consider working with Global Ties Iowa, Melissa said, “You should every time. You’re going to get a leader from another country to come give you a global perspective on what you're doing. That is incredible.”
Melissa’s story is a powerful reminder that giving can take many forms, from donations to professional mentorship. Through our “Why I Give” campaign, we’ll continue to share stories like hers, inviting you to join us in building a more connected world. Support Global Ties Iowa today to help make more experiences like this possible.