Biography
Fueled by great ideas, Melissa Durrell intersects two worlds as a Communications Strategist and community leader. As the President of Durrell Communications Public Relations Agency, she works with her clients on storytelling and getting the word out. She also blends her innovative urban ideals and a “make it happen” attitude as the Uptown Waterloo Ward 7 City Councillor.
Founding her own startup, Melissa has grown Durrell Communications to one of the top PR firms in SW Ontario. As a former TV journalist, she uses insider knowledge to gain local, national and global exposure for her clients. . Working with hundreds of startups, entrepreneurs, VCs, and Angels across Canada, Melissa has a unique insight into presentation skills, pitch coaching and raising capital. Specializing in storytelling, and effectively conveying the power of ideas.
How can your experience or your business help fellow conference attendees?
Communications and ideas! We love to help people with great ideas get the word out! We ask questions about their business or idea. Then we make connections. We also spend a lot of time working with early stage startups in the tech industry. We know how to message your idea so people will listen.
What do you hope to take away from the conference?
Meet great people! Talk about innovative ideas and the growth of social entrepreneurship.
What do you think is our greatest social problem today? Any suggestions to solve it?
Economic Empowerment
70% of the poorest people in the world are women according to a U.N. report. Women make about 75% of the pay that men receive for doing the same work.
As entrepreneurs, we are born risk takers and can teach those skills to others. I think there are many opportunities for women to work together globally. We can help fund great ideas in developing worlds. Become mentors using our experience and knowledge to help others.
What is the most inspiring book you have read?
Half the Sky. It is the bible for human rights advocacy.
What I’m truly impressed with is the movement that accompanies the book. Often times, after reading an incredible book you are left on your own to find ways to make a difference. The Half the Sky movement give you the tools and a place to harness the “passion to change”.
Connect on Twitter @melissadurrell and at http://durrellcomm.com/ and on facebook
Melissa Durrell is attending the #SocialforGood Conference
About the #SocialforGood Conference
If you are a socially conscious individual, entrepreneur, corporation or non-profit organization you can’t afford to miss this conference! Please join us for two days that will evoke conversation, initiate ideas and inspire creative solutions to spread social good in your community and workplace.
#SocialforGood will have you dive deeper then you ever have before and will address:
- What a #socialforgood movement is and why it even matters
- Can a business really make a profit while doing something that makes a difference? Yes! Learn how!
- Ideas and beliefs by change makers and sought after experts.
- We will explore why investing in women is the world best social strategy
- Creative solutions to inspire change in your life, workplace and business
- How to Bring Authenticity and Integrity to Your Business
- How Creating your Business Creates a Whole New You
- How to raise money for your social business or cause
- The best ways to spread your message: Video, podcasts, public speaking, social media and more
