Melanie Ridley
Melanie, Jennifer, and Erica first met in 2001, when all three began working together on state policy issues for the National Mental Health Association (now Mental Health America), where they continued to collaborate for two years before their careers took them on different trajectories. Melanie continued her focus on health care advocacy and safety net health systems development at the national, state and regional level, but branched out into women’s reproductive health, primary care, and a focus on work with federally qualified health centers after getting her start at NMHA. With fund development often a top priority for Momentum’s current clients, Melanie is a polished and talented writer who masterfully weaves an organization’s story into grant applications, helping the reader understand the challenges at hand, the potential solutions, and how their support can make a lasting impact.