Melina is an advisor and thought leader on a mission to advance equity and inclusion in the places where we live, work, and play. She combines over 10 years’ experience leading teams in the retail and real estate sectors with a commitment to doing business differently. Fueled by data and research, she helps leaders develop diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that are not only good for people, but good for growth.

Her advisory firm, Melina Cordero Consulting, has developed innovative DEI strategies for a range of companies and industries, including real estate, urban planning, and the arts. Alongside her consulting work, Melina is a frequent guest and keynote speaker to industry and executive audiences on the topics of equity, inclusion, and the workplace.

Melina has been recognized for her leadership with numerous awards and was named a Washington Business Journal “40 under 40” in 2019.  She proudly serves on the board of STABLE Arts, a DC-based non-profit organization on a mission to expand access and equity in the arts.

A proudly bicultural Latina, she is passionate about cross-cultural exchange, speaks 4 languages and holds degrees from Yale University (BA) , the London School of Economics (MSc), and Sciences-Po Paris (MSc).