Melanie leads Luminate’s work in Asia and the organisation’s strategy function. In January 2025, she will assume the role of CEO, bringing extensive experience and a commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of people around the world. 

She was previously Vice President of the Chandler Foundation, where she played a pivotal role in launching the organisation, designing its grant-making strategy, identifying high-impact development grantees, and leading strategic engagements with other funders and partners. Prior to this, Melanie was Vice President at the Clermont Group, managing corporate communications for the multibillion-dollar investment firm dedicated to building companies that harness the goodness of business to create a better world. 

Earlier in her career, she launched and led the CleanWater Foundation, a safe water micro-franchise serving rural communities in Bangladesh. She also worked in external affairs at the World Bank and served as the Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of the Asian University for Women.