Collaborators, clients, and partners include cultural organizations, museums, foundations, family offices, financial institutions, media companies, universities, galleries, artists, art fairs, auction houses, and corporations throughout the world:

TESTIMONIALS

“Melissa has been a thought leader and professional peer for many years. Her valuable and tenured expertise has made her a colleague I frequently turn to for institutional guidance. In addition to her strategic practice, she has served as an Executive Coach to members of my staff at Artadia, helping them grow into a new role and ultimately giving them the confidence and planning to deeply strengthen our organization.” —Patton Hindle, Executive Director, Artadia

“Stepping into the Chief Advancement Officer role at a Non-Profit was both exciting and daunting, especially coming from outside the Development field. Working with Melissa was truly transformative—her immense knowledge in fundraising, leadership, and organizational wellness helped me not only understand the ever changing landscape of individual giving but also develop the confidence to navigate the ups and downs of fundraising. She provided a safe, supportive space for me to bounce ideas, voice frustrations, and gain clarity on my path forward. Her guidance was instrumental in helping me step fully into this role, build my team, guide me with the development of a new donor program and lead with strategy and confidence. I highly recommend working with Melissa to anyone looking for a thoughtful, strategic, and empowering coach in the fundraising and nonprofit world. I know she’d humbly disagree, but I couldn’t have found my footing so quickly without her.” —Zakia Frontz, Senior Advancement Officer, moCa Cleveland

"We reached out to Melissa to help us provide our Board with the necessary context, data, and recommendations to guide our future fundraising. Her "Next Era Philanthropy and the 21st Century Museum" presentation -- attended by our full Board and senior leadership -- offered both critical information and a call to action. She synthesized essential data related to non-profit organizations, philanthropy, audiences, and museums in a way that our Board could understand and that afforded an essential grounding for our fundraising planning moving forward. The presentation and follow up sessions also included concrete recommendations and underscored the critical role of the Board in meeting fundraising challenges in the current environment. We especially appreciated that Melissa linked the data and recommendations directly to our Museum's mission, values, storytelling, and strategies, which made them even more relevant and applicable to our work." —Lori Fogarty, Director and CEO, Oakland Museum of California

"Melissa partnered with us on our board retreat. Her in-depth knowledge, backed up by national data, was incredibly helpful for our board to understand what it's going to take to meet our fundraising goals and that we must embrace change in multiple areas to be successful. Her presentation was engaging and substantive, and resulted in nearly unanimous enthusiastic support of our new direction. Our partnership inspired and connected dots that will guide our work in the future." —Julie Rodrigues Widholm, Executive Director, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)

“Melissa shared with our clients her expertise for navigating the art world in today’s ever changing environment. With a virtual audience filled of CEO founders and entrepreneurs, she was able to provide succinct, achievable takeaways for novice and advanced art enthusiasts alike. From how to start a collection, to authentically engaging with artists, to successfully achieving philanthropic impact. It is a true privilege to have a partner in Melissa, as she is able to help guide our clients on their evolving art journeys.” —Lorrie Zimecki, Director, Lifestyle Services at Cresset Capital

“Melissa engaged our team of principal architects using data to shed light on the ways cultural institutions are being rapidly reshaped. She provides invaluable and inspiring insight into the broad role of the architect, emphasizing unique approaches to the creative problem solving inherent to the profession.” —Gabriel Smith, FAIA LEED AP, Principal at Allied Works

“Melissa brings contemporary issues to the art philanthropy space. I've used her recorded talks and presentations in my courses at SAIC, as they discuss the issues around granting in the arts with honesty and integrity.” —Dan Gunn, artist, writer, and educator; Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

“MCW’s presentation about engaging the next generation of cultural donors provided critical information for theater leaders. The current unprecedented transfer of generational wealth calls for radical refocusing of fundraising strategies, and Melissa offered up sage and practical advice for our sector. The session was brilliantly prepared and delivered; it was clear, well organized, and focused on practical steps. Melissa presented with humor, passion and the self-confidence of a seasoned and highly effective leader.” —Former NEA Official and DC-based arts trustee

“The Los Angeles Visual Arts Coalition (LAVA) invited Melissa to host several organizational wellness workshops for our 33 Executive Director Members who run small to mid-sized art nonprofits. LAVA came together to provide mutual support for one another through fundraising, resource sharing, and collective advocacy. Melissa guided the coalition through exercises to analyze and bolster our organizational messaging and storytelling. Melissa understood our mission at a deep level, and brought a thoughtful and unique perspective. She was organized, earnest, and approachable throughout the entire process. We enthusiastically recommend Melissa and her tailored consultation." —Members of the LAVA Programming Committee

“Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) worked with Melissa on a major grant aimed at funding the digitization of the Museum's collection. With her expertise and outside perspective, we were able to create a competitive proposal that the entire team, including the Museum's President & CEO, felt confident about. We would recommend Melissa because of her thoughtful input and guidance, her work ethic, and her ability to take on a project as if she worked at the organization.” —Todd Heustess, Vice President for Development, MOLAA

“Melissa is full of energy and great ideas. She is very good at solving problems and thinking quickly, and she always has a creative approach. She can get along with anyone and is a true team player.” —Benjamin Prosky, Executive Director, AIANY and Center for Architecture

“I partnered with Melissa in the lead up to The Art Funders Forum conference. Her exceptional workflow skills, creativity, and leadership created an inspired working partnership and resulted in an incredibly impressive and successful inaugural conference. I remain in awe of her ability to command the room, bring people together, and foster a genuine sense of community within a few short months leading up to The Forum.” —Spencer Sharp, President and Founder, 718 Media

Expanding the next generation of cultural philanthropists, advocates, and audiences

Clients & Testimonials

TESTIMONIALS