Melanie has a decade of experience in the journalism field, particularly in TV news. She grew up on Oʻahu and graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in communication, followed by Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a master's degree in journalism. Her innate curiosity about people and places ultimately led her to pursue a career in journalism. She is currently digital executive producer at Hawaiʻi News Now, where she manages and creates content for HNN's digital platforms.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling all over the world. Some of her favorite destinations include Italy and Japan. She also likes to get lost in a good book as well as explore her own backyard by checking out new hikes, restaurants and other fun spots around the island.
She believes it is important to spread awareness and expand research and funding for youth vaping prevention and cessation.