Melissa joined MAVEN Project in 2021 and is responsible for all aspects of organizational communications, message development and brand management. She has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications in the nonprofit and government sectors. Melissa currently resides in Phoenix and previously served as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Expect More Arizona, a statewide education advocacy organization. She also worked in marketing and communications for Banner Health Foundation, Valley of the Sun United Way, the Arizona Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families, and others.

A native of Wisconsin, Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Her passion for building stronger, healthier communities carries over into her volunteer work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster care youth and a board member for A Stepping Stone Foundation.