A New York native, Melba Pearson has called Miami home for close to 20 years. Ms. Pearson has been an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County for 15 years. Her assignments included the homicides and violent crimes in the Domestic Crimes Unit, and the re-launch of the Community Prosecution Unit, whose goal is partnering with the community to find creative solutions to prevent crime and provide outreach. Presently she is Assistant Chief - Career Criminal/Robbery Unit. She is a frequent guest lecturer on a wide array of criminal justice concerns. Ms. Pearson also lectures nationwide to prosecutors, serves as adjunct faculty for University of Phoenix and Bryant & Stratton College, is a contributing writer to several publications, and has been a guest on national media regarding legal trends. She has taken on a leadership roles in several organizations, serving as President of the National Black Prosecutors Association from 2014 – 2016.