October 5, 2024

Melissa Jane Kronfeld grew up on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, attending lower school at BirchWathen, then Hewitt where she remained until her graduation in 2000. Passionate about politics and volunteerism, MJ studied International Relations at George Washington University’sElliott School of International Affairs in Washington, D.C. where she worked ingovernment and journalism.

After graduation MJ returned to her hometown of Manhattan to work as a reporter for the New York Post, while attending New York University, where she received a Master’s degree in Global Affairs. Five years on the New York Post’s City Desk was a formidable experience which shaped MJ’s political views, provided her an in-depth look into the management of city affairs, and an opportunity to explore the vast mosaic of people that keep the city thriving.

MJ continued working in journalism while obtaining a Master’s degree and working towards aDoctoral degree in Global Affairs from Rutgers University, where she lectured on Americanforeign policy and national security. In 2012, her research was awarded first place in the Richard A. Clarke National Security and Counter-Terrorism Scholarship contest.

While studying for her PhD, MJ co-founded a Young Leadership board for an Israeli medical nonprofit – an experience that inspired a new career in social impact. Motivated by the capacity to serve others MJ worked with, joined or helped launch the young leadership boards fororganizations across a spectrum of causes, including health and education (Girls Health Ed.,

Strength to Strength, Easter Seals); ending human trafficking and modern slavery (GEMS, MadeIn A Free World, Nexus Youth Summit, United Nations NGO Committee on SustainableDevelopment); Jewish Identity and pro-Israel activism (World Jewish Congress, the Council of Young Jewish Presidents, the Survivor Initiative, the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, StandWithUS, Zionist Organization of America, Republican Jewish Coalition),among dozens of others non-profits and social enterprises supporting veterans, arts and culture, women and girls, global sustainability, as well as youth leadership and civic engagement.

During Superstorm Sandy, MJ conceived and initiated the New York Young Leaders For Sandy,organizing young professional leadership from across the city to activate their organizations and networks to assist with emergency assistance in the days after the storm. The group transported busses full of donated supplies to those most in need during the weeks following the damaging extreme weather event. She led and organized a similar fundraising effort for Millennial New Yorkers to give back following the tragic events in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.

For her dedication to service, MJ was named one of the “36 Under 36”by The Jewish Week andlater received the Walter F. Weiker scholarship from Rutgers University celebrating students with a commitment to academic excellence and exceptional extracurricular activities. In 2015 she was nominated by the Chabad Young Professionals community of the Upper East Side for a Jewish People’s Choice Award in the category of “Making A Difference.” MJ has also been invited to speak about her advocacy work at the White House, the United Nations, Capitol Hill and the Women’s National Republican Club of New York. In 2015 she became the first female keynote commencement speaker at the Rutgers University ROTC Air Force Graduation & Officer

Commissioning Ceremony.

Three years ago, MJ decided to apply her experience and passion for fostering change andinspiring service by launching her first small business – a New York based developmentconsultancy supporting the volunteer, philanthropic, and social impact efforts of individuals,organizations and governments across the world. It is this commitment to service, in both her personal and professional life, that led her to the decision to run for City Council in theneighborhood she was raised in – New York’s District 4!

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