President & CEO |eMerge Americas

A native to Miami, FL, Melissa Medina is CEO, President, & Co-founder of eMerge Americas, a venture-backed platform focused on transforming South Florida into a global tech hub. The eMerge signature event, launched in 2014, is a global tech conference held annually at the Miami Beach Convention Center. With Melissa’s leadership, the eMerge Americas conference now attracts more than 20,000+ attendees from over 50 countries. eMerge gathers the brightest minds and convenes investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, business executives, government leaders, academia and renowned subject matter experts from across the globe to discuss technologies transforming our lives. In addition to the annual conference, eMerge organizes and hosts year-round executive summits, innovation challenges, startup pitch competitions, masterclasses, webinars, as well as publishes venture activity and investment insights reports and publications. Melissa has been at the forefront of helping to foster a thriving entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem in South Florida.

After the 2014 inaugural conference, Melissa assisted in the 2015 launch of the Women, Innovation & Technology Summit (WIT), which convenes top female professionals from across the globe to showcase how they are transforming industries through technology & innovation. Melissa is extremely committed to and has a strong track record in supporting women and minority founders and entrepreneurs.

Melissa is also the President of the Medina Family Foundation (MFF). As President of the foundation, Melissa defined the foundation’s mission as funding and playing an active role in local initiatives that focus on mentoring children and empowering families by enhancing education and quality of life. The MFF has supported various organizations including: The Children’s Movement, Roots of Hope, SEED School of Miami, FIU Aquarius, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Guitars Over Guns, Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami, Camillus House, Shake-A-Leg, The United Way, among many others. The funding provided to these organizations, along with Melissa’s personal involvement in each of the organizations, has allowed these non-profits to continue their missions and ultimately, create a brighter future for the South Florida community.

Melissa attended the University of FL and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & a Master’s in International Business. Additionally, as part of her Master’s program, Melissa attended ESADE in Barcelona, Spain – one of the top global universities in business management.

Subsequent to her Master’s program, Melissa worked at Terremark Worldwide, a leading operator of integrated network access points. Beginning her career as a Research Assistant in the Development Department, Medina worked her way up as an Account Manager & Financial Analyst, analyzing company revenues and implementing audit systems.

Melissa has been honored with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce “Difference Maker” HYPE Award, as well as recognized as a “Pace-Setting Woman in Miami” by the State of Florida for her commitment to her city. Furthermore, the Junior League of Miami recognized Melissa as a “Woman Who Makes A Difference.” Melissa was also named one of the six most influential women in philanthropy by Ocean Drive Magazine. Melissa was awarded the “2018 Community Catalyst” award by Catalyst Miami organization. Melissa has also been named multiple years, including in 2023, as one of the “Power Leaders in Technology” by the South Florida Business Journal. Melissa also sits on the Board of The Miami Foundation and Roots of Hope. Melissa is passionate about transforming Miami into a global technology hub and supporting Miami-based non-profits who seek to empower tomorrow’s leaders. Most importantly, Melissa is a mother and most passionate about her 5 children – Sebastian (16), Eva (14), Ellie (14), Nicolas (12), and Inés Emilia (7).