Melissa A. Denchak
  • Hello
  • Writing
    • Environment & Climate Change
    • Food & Travel
  • Contact
WORK EXPERIENCE
Writer | Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) | 2016-present 
  • Research and write in-depth guides and articles for NRDC.org that cover a range of environmental topics and social justice issues including the Paris Climate Agreement, global warming, green infrastructure, extreme weather events, the Keystone XL pipeline, water pollution, and fossil fuels 
  • Interview conservationists, musicians, community activists, and other environmental leaders for profile pieces   
  • Write “personal action” articles that outline practical ways people can affect sustainable environmental change; subjects include how to talk to skeptics of the Paris Climate Agreement and how to reduce and better recycle waste
  • Craft SEO-friendly content based on keyword research for NRDC.org    
  • Support NRDC’s shareholder advocacy initiatives by drafting investor briefs, blog posts, and other materials 
 
Editor/Fact-checker | NRDC | 2015-2016
  • Worked with writers on first- and second-round edits of articles for NRDC’s digital publication, onEarth 
  • Fact-checked articles for onEarth as well as other institutional materials
 
Media Relations Manager | Viaventure Central America | 2012-2016
  • Worked with Viaventure leadership to help define and implement a communications strategy for the company
  • Wrote, edited, and revised Viaventure’s marketing materials, including promotional brochures, client handbooks, and destination, hotel, and tour descriptions 
  • Produced bi-monthly and quarterly newsletters for Viaventure’s leisure and incentive travel departments
  • Crafted promotional travel copy for Viaventure and its partners such as Abercrombie & Kent 
  • Developed press materials and promoted Viaventure via social media
 
Associate Editor | Fine Cooking Magazine | 2010-2012
  • Worked with writers and culinary experts to develop and produce recipes and cooking-related articles
  • Wrote and edited regular shopping and ingredient columns; developed and tested recipes
  • Represented Fine Cooking at industry and press events; cultivated new relationships with freelance writers and recipe developers 
  • Helped organize and participate in photo shoots
 
Assistant Editor | Departures/Black Ink magazines | 2007-2010
  • Wrote and fact-checked articles on travel, fashion, design, and culture
 
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Contributor | EatingWell, Publishers Weekly, American Way, and Adventure Travel magazines
  • Assistant Editor | Budget Travel Magazine | 2007 
  • Editorial/Event Coordinator Intern | Food & Wine Magazine | 2006
  • Peace Corps Volunteer | Caaguazú, Paraguay | 2002-2004

 
EDUCATION
St. Lawrence University | Canton, NY | 2001 
Bachelor of Arts in economics; minor in Caribbean & Latin American studies 
Institute of Culinary Education | New York, NY | 2008 
Culinary Diploma
 
SKILLS
  • Fluent English, conversational French, conversational Spanish
  • Proficient in K4, InCopy, InDesign, iMeet, Slack, and WordPress 


  • Hello
  • Writing
    • Environment & Climate Change
    • Food & Travel
  • Contact