Melissa B. Henriquez
Highland Village
Summary
Communications professional with proven expertise in storytelling and developing and executing strategic communication plans. Adept at cultivating strong team collaboration and driving impactful results. Skilled in media relations, content creation, and crisis communication, with flexible approach to changing needs. Known for reliability and delivering consistent outcomes in fast-paced environments across global, matrixed organizations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Communications Manager
Stryker
10.2022 - 10.2025
- Served as the editor-in-chief for all HR-related employee content, ensuring clarity and engagement while streamlining and tailoring messaging
- Managed multiple targeted employee newsletters, enhancing communication flow within the organization
- Developed and executed monthly and quarterly HR connection series to foster employee engagement and an inclusive workplace
- Acted as strategic communications partner to HR leaders, including VP, DE&I, driving effective multi-channel messaging and initiatives
- Led company-wide communications strategy for annual global Inclusion Summit, which saw year-over-year viewership increases
- Designed and managed HR Communications intake app, improving process efficiency and metrics, and delivering a better user experience for partners
- Conducted VOC with senior communicators across businesses and functions to develop an improved HR annual cycle comms process
- Served as project manager / HR lead for annual comprehensive report, ensuring messaging resonates across all audiences
- Developed and executed comprehensive communication strategies to enhance brand awareness and engagement
- Analyzed communication metrics to refine strategies and improve audience reach and engagement rates
- Developed key message frameworks to ensure consistent messaging across all channels and touchpoints within the organization
Associate Manager, Copywriting & PR
Stryker, Medical
07.2021 - 10.2022
- Supported business leadership with speeches, scripts, talking points, presentations, media prep, email newsletter content, etc.
- Developed and executed strategic messaging in collaboration with Acute Care brand teams
- Spearheaded the creative brief process for impactful product launches and marketing campaigns
- Enhanced external communications during the Vocera acquisition, ensuring seamless integration messaging
- Developed PR strategy for our sales force to adopt, promoting big wins in local media markets and driving brand awareness
- Contributed engaging content about Acute Care innovations to various internal Stryker channels, raising internal awareness
- Fostered strong relationships with stakeholders to facilitate collaboration on key initiatives
- Collaborated closely with senior management on strategic planning efforts, aligning departmental goals with overarching company objectives
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual support
Senior Copywriter
Stryker, Medical
10.2018 - 07.2021
- Crafted all external marketing collateral and internal communications for Acute Care, including the launch of ProCuity, a major innovation and the Emergency Relief Bed, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic
- Supported executive leadership by writing, pitching and placing thought leadership content — new for the team at the time
- Pioneered and managed all facets of Stryker’s mission-driven Caregiver Stories project, enhancing brand storytelling; managed vendor relations
Contributing Writer
Kveller
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Frequent contributor to Kveller.com, a Jewish parenting website | Link to articles
Senior Marketing Manager
VML
01.2014 - 10.2018
- Oversaw event marketing and management for VML Kalamazoo and VML Chicago, enhancing brand visibility
- Led the planning and execution of Foundation Day, fostering community engagement through agency-wide service initiatives
- Implemented internal communication strategies to facilitate organizational change post-acquisition, ensuring smooth transitions
- Developed internal and external content to support marketing initiatives and engage stakeholders
PR Manager
Biggs|Gilmore
10.2006 - 01.2014
- Developed and executed public relations and social media strategies to enhance agency visibility
- Planned and managed two annual digital events for clients and prospects, fostering engagement and building brand affinity
- Served as account executive for agency’s non-profit clients and employee campaign manager for local United Way
- Led agency-wide annual social impact event, Day of Caring
- (when Biggs|Gilmore was acquired by VML)
Press Relations Specialist
Peace Corps
10.2005 - 10.2006
- Developed and implemented PR strategies to highlight the impactful work of volunteers globally and shared the stories of returned volunteers
- Enhanced recruitment efforts by raising awareness during the Peace Corps’ 45th anniversary
Education
M.A. - Public Communication
American University
Washington, D.C.01.2002
B.A. - International Studies, Minor in Spanish
American University
Washington, D.C.01.2001
Skills
- Strategic messaging
- Effective internal communications
- Content creation
- Project management
- Communication planning and strategy
- Event planning
- Integrated marketing communications
- Innovative thought leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Effective relationship management
- Strategic public relations
Timeline
Global Communications Manager
Stryker
10.2022 - 10.2025
Associate Manager, Copywriting & PR
Stryker, Medical
07.2021 - 10.2022
Senior Copywriter
Stryker, Medical
10.2018 - 07.2021
Contributing Writer
Kveller
01.2016 - 01.2021
Senior Marketing Manager
VML
01.2014 - 10.2018
PR Manager
Biggs|Gilmore
10.2006 - 01.2014
Press Relations Specialist
Peace Corps
10.2005 - 10.2006
B.A. - International Studies, Minor in Spanish
American University
M.A. - Public Communication
American University