Chief Communication Architect/Founder
Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR is an internationally-recognized and accredited award-winning public relations strategist, author and national columnist with over two decades of general market and multicultural integrated marketing communications experience in agency, corporate and nonprofit settings.
Today, she serves clients as the Chief Communication Architect of her own boutique firm, MVW Communications. Melissa is a 360° integrated marketing communicator but has expertise and accreditation in public relations. As a unique attribute, Melissa has worked in internal communications and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for a corporation during her career. She is one of only 5,000 PR professionals around the world with the “APR” distinction and recently earned her accreditation as a Certified Diversity Professional. Her inclusive PR point of view influences any communication challenge she tackles.
During her career, she has directed public relations, DEI, marketing, advertising or social media strategy for over 100 brands such as Kampgrounds of America, H-E-B, Alamo Colleges District, Meals on Wheels San Antonio, IDRA, and Texas State University.
Melissa has received top industry recognition for both her individual and campaign accomplishments. In 2021 alone, she and MVW Communications won three national awards through PRSA and PRNews. Locally, she is the only professional in the city to receive both the Horizon and Professional of the Year awards from PRSA San Antonio.
In addition to agency work, Melissa is a sought-after professional workshop facilitator, trainer, and coach. She has led sessions for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, the Maestro Entrepreneur Center, CPS Energy, the San Antonio Zoo, the Intercultural Development Research Association, and Alamo Colleges Workforce Network. She is also a frequent guest presenter for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Public Relations & Communication Association Americas (PRCA Americas), PR News, and colleges across the country.
Melissa's specialties include using PR for social good in the Hispanic/Latino, DEI, nonprofit, education, environmental, cultural, and corporate industries. A published creative writer, Melissa has crafted copy throughout her career - from media materials to van wraps. Her breadth and depth of experience inspires her 360º approach to communication.
Thought Leadership
As a thought leader in public relations, Melissa is a national columnist for the Public Relations Society of America’s newspaper, “Strategies & Tactics” reaching over 30,000 practitioners each issue. Her “Cultural Strategy” column is the first to ever focus on the Hispanic/Latino market and includes Melissa’s take on how to integrate DEI practices into public relations.
In 2021, she launched her industry-focused podcast, the Smart Talk Series, and a PR Pro Gear online merchandise shop to deepen industry conversations and elevate pride in the profession.
Her bestselling book, Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know, shares how aspiring pros from diverse backgrounds can enter and succeed in public relations. (Available in print and audiobook versions.)
Community Involvement
A past president of PRSA San Antonio, Melissa has represented San Antonio at the PRSA International Conference and remains the chapter’s current VP of Social Responsibility. She is a graduate of the Latina Leadership Institute and the Alex E. Briseño Leadership Development Program, both of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She’s also an alum of the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce’s E.P.I.C. Leadership Development Program.
Melissa has donated time, talent or treasure with numerous nonprofits throughout her career. She was the founding Chair of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio Communications Committee and the founding Chair of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas’ Marketing Communications Committee. Melissa recently served as a member of the KLRN (PBS) Community Advisory Board, the San Antonio Area Foundation’s Youth Success Advisory Committee and on the Latina Leadership Institute Steering Committee. She currently volunteers to speak at colleges around the nation, is a member of the Latinitas Advisory Council, and is a Troop volunteer for her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop.
Education
Melissa earned a bachelor's degree in English/Communication Arts from St. Mary’s University and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Texas San Antonio. Accredited in Public Relations, Certified Diversity Professional and CompassionateUSA certified.
A lifelong learner, Melissa stays on the cutting edge of trends and best practices through professional development, creating content, reading, listening to podcasts and strategic networking. Melissa truly cares about her clients and adds value to their organizations from day one.
Core Values
Put people first
Research before action
Share clear, concise, communication
Offer honest, ethical counsel
Be the resource
Do better, daily