National Leadership Program, Fall 2023
Melissa Tessaro
Melissa Tessaro was a Nonprofit Management Fellow in RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program for Fall 2023. RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.
Tessaro graduated Magna Cum Laude from Point Park University in 2020 with a B.A. in Public Relations & Advertising. During college, she interned at a local nonprofit organization in their marketing department. This experience influenced her desire to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.
As an individual with Cerebral Palsy, Tessaro has regularly shared disability advocacy content on her personal social media accounts, but it was the documentary “Crip Camp” that inspired her to want to pursue a career in disability advocacy in the entertainment industry. Soon thereafter, Tessaro enrolled in CUNY’s School of Professional Studies Advanced Certificate in Disabilities program and is now on track to obtain her certificate later this year. She has also written several blog posts for disabled actress/model Lauren “Lolo” Spencer’s website LiveSolo which produces content for young adults with disabilities, interned at a recruitment agency for individuals with disabilities, and was a part of Disability: IN’s 2023 NextGen Leaders Program.
During her Fellowship, Tessaro is looking forward to gaining experience not only in the nonprofit field but also in communications and entertainment & news media. Her ultimate dream is to be a part of the advancement of disability advocacy in Hollywood. In her free time, Tessaro enjoys watching TV, reading, and doing the occasional puzzle. She is a huge Taylor Swift fan and was so lucky to have been able to see the Eras Tour this past summer. She has a black cat named Luna, named after the Harry Potter character, which she adopted during the pandemic.
Congratulations Mellisa! What an incredible organization and opportunity.