MELODY D. VELEZ
Yonkers,NY
Summary
Psychology-informed leader with 15+ years of experience designing, scaling, and managing community-based programs across nonprofit, healthcare, policy, and entrepreneurial environments. Proven ability to translate community needs into compliant, fundable, and trauma-informed systems, while maintaining equity, accessibility, and measurable impact. Trusted partner to executives, boards, funders, and public agencies.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
12
12
Certifications
Work History
Director of Community Engagement & Special Projects
Riverdale Senior Services
Bronx, NY
07.2025 - Current
- Lead community engagement and special projects serving hundreds of older adults across multiple sites.
- Design and oversee multiple programs and events annually, including health education, wellness initiatives, and cultural programming.
- Implement operational improvements that strengthen coordination, efficiency, and fundraising readiness.
- Serve as liaison to elected officials, public agencies, funders, healthcare partners, and community organizations.
- Collaborate with executive leadership on strategy, reporting, and priority initiatives.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Let’s C.R.E.A.T.E., Inc.
Bronx, NY
05.2022 - Current
- Founded and lead a 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering psychology-informed, arts-based mental wellness and youth development programs (ages 12–21).
- Designed multidisciplinary curricula integrating creative expression, emotional regulation, leadership, life skills, and financial literacy.
- Built partnerships with schools, healthcare systems, artists, and community organizations.
- Secure grants, donor support, and sponsorships; lead program evaluation and strategic growth planning.
Chief Executive Officer / Owner
MDV Custom Cakes, LLC
Bronx, NY
09.2009 - Current
- Founded and operated a successful creative services business overseeing operations, finance, contracts, marketing, and client relations.
- Built brand visibility through digital marketing and national media appearances (BET, Food Network, Telemundo, VH1).
- Developed strong entrepreneurial leadership, project management, and client engagement skills.
Associate, Health Equity & Policy
National Urban League
New York, NY
01.2023 - 07.2025
- Managed federal and private grant contracts, ensuring compliance, reporting accuracy, and risk mitigation.
- Built systems for contract monitoring, data audits, SAM compliance, and affiliate oversight.
- Developed manuals, workflows, and automated databases to improve efficiency and transparency.
- Trained staff and affiliates on compliance procedures and process improvements.
Executive Assistant to the CEO
R.A.I.N.
Bronx, NY
12.2021 - 11.2022
- Provided executive-level operational and governance support to CEO and senior leadership.
- Managed board processes, HR coordination, compliance documentation, and organization-wide events.
- Supervised administrative staff and supported internal process improvements.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Mental Health Concentration
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH12-2025
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice / Police - Forensic Psychology
Monroe College
Bronx, NY06-2010
Skills
- Program strategy and design
- Community engagement and impact
- Applied psychology in mental health
- Public health services
- Program operations management
- Grant compliance and contracts
- Cross-sector collaboration
- Trauma-informed care
- Strategic planning
- Project management systems
- Executive support and board relations
- Team leadership
Core Expertise
- Program Strategy & Design
- Community Impact & Engagement
- Applied Psychology (Mental Health)
- Public Health & Human Services
- Program Operations
- Grant & Contract Compliance
- Cross-Sector Partnerships
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Strategic Planning
- Project & Systems Management
- Executive & Board Support
- Team Leadership
Certification
Mandated Reporter (NYS OCFS)
Timeline
Director of Community Engagement & Special Projects
Riverdale Senior Services
07.2025 - Current
Associate, Health Equity & Policy
National Urban League
01.2023 - 07.2025
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Let’s C.R.E.A.T.E., Inc.
05.2022 - Current
Executive Assistant to the CEO
R.A.I.N.
12.2021 - 11.2022
Chief Executive Officer / Owner
MDV Custom Cakes, LLC
09.2009 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Mental Health Concentration
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice / Police - Forensic Psychology
Monroe College