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Melissa Fenton
Executive Director at The Council of Urban Professionals
Melissa Fenton is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP), she specializes in fundraising, finance, operations, strategic planning, and communications. Her career has been dedicated to supporting underserved communities and developing sustainable business models for long-term success.12
Professional Background
Fenton has held various senior executive roles, including:
- Executive Director of City Lights Youth Theatre
- Chief Development & Communications Officer at Bronx Prep Charter School
- Director of Individual Giving at the New-York Historical Society
She also worked as a Principal Strategy Consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she assisted Fortune 500 companies with strategy and financial forecasting. Notably, she played a key role in the merger between Pricewaterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand.13
Education
Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Psychology from Williams College and an MBA in Strategy and Organizational Behavior from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Additionally, she completed a Leadership Certificate at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business in 2022.1
Community Engagement
Fenton is actively involved in various community initiatives. She has expanded CUP's network to over 18,000 members across New York and Los Angeles and has initiated an annual three-day summit in Martha’s Vineyard focusing on investment management and entrepreneurship. She co-leads the CUP NY Fellows Program and engages with alumni for leadership development.1
Awards and Recognition
In 2022, she received the Pillar Leadership Award from the National Black MBA Association for her commitment to enhancing access and resources for black professionals. She has also been honored with the Phat Friends Award for her contributions to youth development.1
Personal Interests
Beyond her professional commitments, Melissa is also a singer and resides in New York City.1
Highlights
At CUP’s 3rd Annual Martha’s Vineyard Summit we hosted a conversation of legendary civil rights activists Reverend Al Sharpton and Council Member Yusef Salaam of the exonerated Central Park 5. Tarrus Richardson moderated this panel called “Power and Politics in 2024.” I am proud to know them and to watch them speak shortly on the stage at the Democratic National Convention. Dr. Yusef Salaam #councilofurbanprofessionals
Please join me tonight in Martha’s Vineyard for an exciting panel with these power players discussing: “Economic Inclusion Is an American Imperative: Business Speaks”
Description: You're cordially invited by the National Urban League to engage in a dialogue regarding how corporate America can actively contribute to safeguarding the future of our democracy and advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by prioritizing investments in the civic and economic empowerment of communities of color.
Date: Thursday, August 15, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM ET Location: Strand Theatre, 11 Oak Bluffs Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Speakers • Marc H. Morial (*moderator) - President and CEO, National Urban League • Melissa Fenton - Executive Director, Council of Urban Professionals • Damon Hewitt - President and Executive Director, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law • Melonie Parker - Chief Diversity Officer, Google • Tia Breakley - Board Member, Black Economic Alliance
MARC MORIAL Jerika L. Richardson Damon Todd Hewitt Melonie Parker Tia Breakley
