Attendees will gain an understanding of the legislative process and General Assembly and will discuss how to achieve organizational policy priorities through the development of a strategic advocacy plan. From campaign development, communications, and deploying advocates this session is intended to be an interactive discussion on goal achievement through advocacy.

About the Speaker 

Melissa brings a background in building partnerships, driving policy, and advocacy to DANA. She was formerly the Director of External Affairs at the Rodel Foundation, where she guided policy strategy for education reform. As part of her work, she has been instrumental in creating a strong network of business, nonprofit, and school-based partners to advance the interests of Delaware students. Prior to her work at Rodel, she was a Legislative Aide for the Majority Leader and Majority Whip in the Delaware House of Representatives. Before that, she held positions with the New Castle County Council and the University of Delaware in the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy. Melissa earned a Master of Science in Management from Wilmington University with a concentration on Public Administration, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware, and is a 2013 Leadership Delaware Fellow Alum. She has served as a board member with several Delaware nonprofits, currently sits on the board of the KIDS Count Delaware, and serves as a Youth in Government Delegation Advisor with the YMCA of Delaware.