What distinguishes Melissa as a producer is her ability to hold the balance between the big picture and the desired impact of every event, statement, and communication. She understands the critical details that combine into a coherent whole. Additionally her artistry is one that is built and sustained by the ability to co-create with her team wherein individual efforts come together to produce a greater, vibrant whole.

Melissa combines smart planning with creative solutions. She adapts to the specific needs of each client be it to produce an intimate Yoga Retreat in Mexico, or to produce a month long conference for 5,000 people from all over the world. 

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PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

• Melissa served as the Field Producer for award-winning playwright, writer and actress Anna Deavere Smith for the inaugural research phase of Ms. Smith's most recent show, NOTES FROM THE FIELD. 

• Produced an anniversary celebration for Dr. Dean Ornish and his Preventive Medicine Research Institute featuring performances by Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall and India Arie.

• Produced in collaboration with Playwright Eve Ensler and VDay a sold-out performance of The Vagina Monologues at San Francisco's Masonic Auditorium featuring Eve, Gloria Steinem, Kathy Najimy, Dorothy Allison, Ronnie Gilbert, and more.

• Town Hall Meeting with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton – As Producer partnered with locally based, nationally recognized Democratic Fundraiser, local political organizations, venue, security personnel and elected officials to organize a Town Hall Meeting and fundraiser with the Senator raising over $150,000.

• Producer: International Museum of Women Annual Gala. Created event to meet stated goals of Museum Board and Executive Director to move in a more contemporary direction, maintain current donors and begin to cultivate young donors, created a two tiered event exceeding fundraising goals, setting new standard for program and brought over 300 younger donors into the fold.

• Production/Program Manager, Alaska Federation of Natives Economic Summit; Senate, cabinet members and grassroots activists coming together to discuss ideas for and create sustainable economies for Alaska Natives 2-day conference. Simultaneously broadcast on Alaska Public Television, web-cast, and satellite teleconference with participants on three continents.

• Managing Director/Producer Mendocino Film Festival, a three-day festival in 6 venues and 5 towns in Mendocino County. In the eighth year of the festival, more than doubled the capacity, venues and film screenings.       

• Created and built a new venue, increased membership by 36%, hosted over 25 filmmakers and producers, created and produced four additional events for the festival.

• ​Producer and Manager, Sing Out the Vote Ohio. 11 Day, 9 City Tour of over 25 singer-songwriters and political activists to support the Get out the Vote effort for the Obama for President Campaign, raising funds, awareness and votes.

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