Mentoring &
advisory
“Melina’s dedication to supporting emerging entrepreneurs in this country is second to none. She guided a room full of ambitious founders with warmth, authority, and an impressive depth of knowledge — the kind that only comes from years of genuine engagement with the ecosystem.”
-Giles Bourne, Co-Founder, Scalare Partners
How I can contribute
I offer mentoring for academics, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders, as well as help organisations design mentoring programs that build capability, confidence and connection.
Mentoring
I contribute strategic insight to advisory groups, boards and purpose-led organisations who are shaping new opportunities and moving important ideas forward.
Advisory & governance
I bring independent judgement to awards, innovation programs and pitch competitions, recognising strong ideas, high-potential individuals and the possibility of great impact.
Judging & assessment
Whether mentoring an emerging leader, supporting a founder, or contributing to a board or advisory group, I am motivated by the opportunity to help turn ideas into action and create meaningful change.
From potential to impact
I’ve spent more than a decade mentoring academics, founders and social entrepreneurs, and designing mentoring initiatives across the health and medical research sector.
This work has been recognised with the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers.
Mentoring people
Through advisory and governance roles, I bring experience across research, policy, philanthropy, innovation and social enterprise to help organisations navigate complexity and turn ideas into action.
Advising organisations
Selected engagements
Judge, The Australian Technologies Competition
2021 – current
Judge, Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes Rising Star Award
2026
Judge, Semiconductor Australia Catalyst Stage judging panel
2026
Member, Business Translation Working Group, Centre for Sex and Gender Equity in Health and Medicine,
2026
Program Committee Member, Health First Summit Careers Forum
2026
Member, MTAA Women In MedTech Committee
2025
Looking for guidance or a fresh perspective?
Whether you’re seeking individual guidance or an experienced perspective for your organisation, I would love to hear what you’re working on.