Melissa brings sharp insight, a what-if mindset, and a deep love of creative communication to every project she tackles. With an MFA in Fiction Writing, five years as a film critic, and over 15 years in marketing, she’s always searching for the beating heart of a story—and finding the most compelling way to tell it.

Melissa develops brand identities, campaigns, and content for giants and startups alike. Her background in tech gives her fluency in translating dizzyingly complex concepts into clear, engaging narratives. Career highlights include creating messaging for Apple’s launch of iPhone for business; developing the language for Adobe’s introduction of Creative Cloud; and establishing the voice for Lionheart, Salesforce.org’s signature character. She has also crafted unique brand voices for companies like Menlo Security (cyber leader), Loxley Systems (cannabis extraction innovator), and Qlik (data integration and analytics provider), always aiming for clarity, authenticity and connection.

At Strategy Muse, Melissa brings that same creative strategy and a human touch to both internal and external communications. From employee value propositions to recruiting and onboarding videos to talent brand websites and campaigns, she communicates with purpose, empathy and—if the client is open to it—fun. (Did somebody say live-action puppet video?) Whatever the industry or format, Melissa is guided by a drive to convey what matters.

She lives with her husband in Oakland, California and rural New Hampshire, where she once burst into happy tears after finding a ripe mango in November—a moment that reflects the surprise and delight she continually brings to her professional work.

Education

• Yale University, BA, English

• Washington University in St. Louis, MFA, Fiction