Melissa is a Senior Account Executive at Nyhus, supporting various clients on content planning, community engagement and executive communications. She also supports Nyhus’ marketing team has helped lead the development of a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy for the firm. She currently supports several workstreams within the DEI strategy.

Prior to joining Nyhus, Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington with a double major in political science and communications, where she focused on U.S. constitutional law, media ethics, political communications and public relations. During her time at school, Melissa organized networking events, managed social media and created website content for the UW chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Association for Women in Communication.

Melissa interned with Richmond Public Relations, where she supported research, media relations and community engagement efforts. Previously, Melissa interned with the University of Washington Dream Project, advising a cohort of high school seniors on planning for college and career training. She also joined Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, an organization that nominates college seniors to lead community events rooted in the values of service, leadership and scholarship, where her writing and website development helped the chapter earn the highest honor recognized by the national organization.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors and finding new places to hike around the Puget Sound. She usually decompresses after work by walking around her neighborhood while listening to a music history or true crime podcast! During the week, she enjoys taking modern and jazz dance classes at local studios and is always working on or looking for her next DIY furniture or décor project.