eMerge gathers the brightest minds and convenes investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, business executives, government leaders, academia, and renowned subject matter experts from across the World to discuss technologies transforming our lives. eMerge also hosts year-round executive summits, innovation challenges, startup pitch competitions, masterclasses, webinars, and tracks venture activity, issues investment insights reports and publications. Melissa has been at the forefront of fostering a thriving entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem in the Greater Miami area.

In 2015 Melissa founded and launched the Women, Innovation & Technology summit (WIT), which convenes top female leader and entrepreneurs from across the globe to showcase how they are transforming industries through technology & innovation. Melissa is passionately committed to supporting women and minority founders.

Prior to eMerge Americas, Melissa was a Financial Manager at Terremark Worldwide, a leading operator of integrated network access points, the critical infrastructure that connects the internet around the World. Beginning her career as a Research Assistant in the Development Department, Medina worked her way up as an Account Manager & Financial Analyst and implementing audit systems.

Melissa is also the President of the Medina Family Foundation (MFF). As President of the foundation, Melissa dedicates her family’s resources towards supporting initiatives that focus on climate research, homelessness, mentoring children and empowering families. Currently, Melissa serves as a Director on the Board of Trustees of The Miami Foundation.

Melissa has received dozens of honors, most recently she was honored with the 2023 annual “Woman of Distinction” award by Florida International University’s Lilly Kopenhaver Center. 
Melissa has also been honored with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce “Difference Maker” HYPE Award and the “Pace-Setting Woman in Miami” by the State of Florida for her commitment to her city. Furthermore, the Junior League of Miami recognized Melissa as a “Woman Who Makes A Difference.” Melissa has also been named multiple years, including in 2023, as one of the “Power Leaders in Technology” by the South Florida Business Journal.

Melissa attended the University of FL and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s in International Business. Additionally, as part of her Master’s program, Melissa attended ESADE in Barcelona, Spain - one of the top global universities in business management. Melissa is a native to Miami, FL where she resides with her husband and 5 children.