Mel Harris stands at the forefront of restorative justice and philanthropic innovation, as an author, speaker, and advocate for sparking conversations between historically excluded communities and institutions with the socioeconomic leverage to drive progress. She is passionate about empowering organizations and individuals to create dialogue and embrace reform. Mel’s expertise centers around driving transformative, sustainable social change at the nexus of LGBTQ+/gender/and race equality.

As a previous minister within the conservative evangelical church who worked to build social safety nets for under resourced individuals, Mel experienced the trauma of disconnection and isolation after being publicly excommunicated for coming out. After narrowly surviving a suicide attempt following conversion efforts by family, friends, and religious leaders, she deeply understands the importance of deconstructing systemic bias and creating frameworks of inclusive community where we mitigate harm and learn to coexist. 

Now a respected political fundraiser and public/private sector strategic alliance builder, Mel collaborates with diverse stakeholders — from non-profits, Fortune 100 corporations, and iconic family foundations — to programmatic work with media conglomerates and national policymakers who have the power to center, support, and amplify the voices of people on the margins. 

A four-time Co-Producer of the GLAAD Media Awards in New York and Los Angeles and Vice President for the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ media organization, her influence extends to the Global North and South, where she has collaborated with civil society in Davos, Cannes Lions, Mexico, the UK, and South Africa to champion international philanthropy and dialogue across partisan lines, social classes, and denominations. Recruited as the first architect and Head of Global Council Strategy at The Juilliard School, Mel enhanced the institution’s leadership, diversity, and revenue by creating a successful framework that has connected influential leaders from the UN, Sesame Workshop, EMEA, Asia, and beyond. 

In direct response to her dedication to measurable progress, she has proudly served as Chairperson and consultant for DEI initiatives, R-1 universities, and engaged as a keynote speaker with grassroots movements, including The Poor People’s Campaign of Arkansas. Mel continues to play an instrumental role in steering programming around justice, psychological safety, belonging, and talent pipelines, while advancing accountability. Now residing in Washington, D.C metro, she enjoys mentoring the next generation, producing her podcast, Finding Our Way Forward, and establishing affirming safe spaces for queer people of faith.