Melissa Peña has dedicated her career to to empowering organizations to align their vision, relationships, and resources to achieve long-term impact and community-driven solutions. She has more than 10 years of experience working across higher education, healthcare, social impact, and narrative strategy, serving in roles including Development Director and Chief of Staff. Melissa has expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, board and executive partnership, campaign strategy, development operations, and organizational growth.

Melissa believes the strongest partnerships are built on honesty, trust, curiosity, and a shared commitment to the work. She is particularly drawn to organizations working toward a more equitable, just, and thriving community.

Melissa lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her husband and two daughters. She serves as President of Working Food, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating a resilient local food community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, summa cum laude, from the University of Florida.