Hi, I’m Mackenzie Meleski.

I am a Master’s-educated communications and PR specialist with a diverse background in journalism, arts, and social justice, with experience in creating digital content and strategic communications. My skill-set includes storytelling, media relations, and audience engagement across platforms. I am passionate about using communications to amplify underrepresented voices and share moving, human stories.

In my personal life, I enjoy traveling. My favorite place I’ve ever been is Florence, Italy, where I studied fashion merchandising for a semester! I also love drinking coffee, working out, and hanging out with my cat, Opal. I am a social butterfly and am always ready to say “yes” to whatever adventure my friends throw my way.

Staff Writer and Editor

Capitol News Service, Richmond, VA

January - December 2023

Merchandising and Marketing Intern

Richline Jewelry, A Berkshire Hathaway Company, New York, New York

Venture Richmond, Richmond, VA

August 2023 - January 2024

-Edited articles using AP Style guidelines

-Researched news content for accuracy

-Wrote 4 comprehensive investigative research articles about Virginia politics over the course of 4 months

-Conducted interviews over the phone and in person with elected officials and professionals

-Managed the VCU Newsroom website and Instagram page, creating user-friendly content using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite

-Featured in publications such as Virginia Business, Henrico Citizen, and BizSense.

June 2023 - August 2023

As a member of the Communications team, I am responsible for shaping and upholding the good reputation of Virginia's only dental school. I work alongside faculty, alumni, and researchers to write blog and news articles, manage the website, create content for and moderate the social media accounts, create a bi-weekly newsletter, take photos at events, and create promotional material for the school's programs. I have gained invaluable skills in collaboration, communication, and project management, as well as proficiency in programs such as Canva, Adobe software, Metricool, and social media platforms.

-Developed marketing strategies for luxury jewelry collections, aligning brand positioning with consumer trends and client-facing presentations.

-Managed product data and inventory tracking using Excel to support marketing and merchandising efforts

-Presented trend insights and strategic recommendations to leadership and cross-functional teams.

-Clients include Kay Jewelers, Macy’s, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Costco

-Created weekly event calendars and blog articles

-Researched Richmond real estate developments

-Created content using Canva and Adobe programs for @venturerichmond on Instagram, reaching audience of 45k.

-Assisted with organization of major events like Richmond Folk Festival, reaching attendance of 175,000.

Marketing Intern

EDUCATION

----

EDUCATION ----

Check out what I have hanging on my wall!

Communications and PR Specialist

WORK EXPERIENCE

----

WORK EXPERIENCE ----

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA

Featured Writing

Writing Samples
Fixing Richmond's old sewer system ahead of climate change factors
Fixing Richmond's old sewer system ahead of climate change factors

The older sewer systems in Virginia cities like Richmond, Alexandria and Lynchburg have sent billions of gallons of untreated wastewater into state rivers during heavy rain events when the sewer backs up. All are actively working to upgrade their sewer systems, but there are concerns there is not enough funding to fix the issues soon enough, especially amid increasingly heavier rainfall periods. Richmond’s project has the biggest price tag at $100 million.

Class of 2026: Lily Turner’s passion for providing care for patients with special needs
Class of 2026: Lily Turner’s passion for providing care for patients with special needs

This article follows VCU School of Dentistry student Lily Turner and her passion for improving dental care experiences for patients with special needs through advocacy, education, and sensory-friendly initiatives. It highlights her commitment to creating more inclusive healthcare environments and ensuring patients with developmental and sensory disabilities feel understood, supported, and comfortable during treatment.

A new reason to smile: Woman receives life-changing care at Wise Missions of Mercy
A new reason to smile: Woman receives life-changing care at Wise Missions of Mercy

After years of struggling to access affordable dental care, Kimberly Crawford received a life-changing new smile through the Wise Missions of Mercy project, where VCU School of Dentistry students and faculty provide free care to underserved communities. The story highlights the profound impact of compassionate dental care and the importance of expanding access to oral healthcare in rural Appalachia.