The connection of people to their food and their place motivates Melissa to weave together local food systems. A good, circular, economy provides sustenance and livable wages to its community. Such a local food economy floats resiliently through disturbances. It maximizes well-being with the minimum of consumption. Its adventures, tests, allies, ordeals and transformation hold narrative traction.
Storytelling is how we learn, communicate and understand our world. Melissa applies her storytelling experience, from 6,000-word longform magazine features to 60-second radio news stories, to assist local food and ag entrepreneurs clarify their message to their community of customers. The classic Hero’s Journey story arc draws community into collective vision to achieve its sustainable food system. It roots food to landscape to people.
Specialties:
- Food & Ag Entrepreneurship
- Sustainable Food System Weaver
- Local Food Economy Development
- Resilient Community Development
Food System Weaver. Storyteller.
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Clients
Education & Certifications
- B.S. Journalism, Rural Sociology & Environmental Studies - Iowa State University, 2007
- Certificate of Graduate Studies, Sustianable Ag & Food Systems, Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy - Tufts University, 2023
- M.S. Sustainable Food Systems - Prescott College, 2024
- Getting Your Recipe to Market Intensive - Portland Community College/Oregon SBDC, 2025
- Food Finance Institute Certified Consultant - Universities of Wisconsin, 2024
- Storytelling Marketing & Branding Intensive - Storybrand, 2022
Awards & Recognitions
2026 Heartland Emmy Award Nomination Lifestyle/Informational/ Instructional - Short Form/Long Form Content Wyoming PBS "Our Wyoming" - Ancient Grains
2025 Heartland Emmy Award Business/Consumer/Politics/ Government - Short Form Content (up to 10 minutes)
Wyoming Wildlife Photo Contest
Honorable Mention
Recreation and Flora
Honorable Mention
Published Editorial Photography
Gold Medalist
Let's work together! Drop me an email at: