Melanie Shakarian recognized as 2024 Notable Leader in Communications

Congratulations to Legal Aid Director of Development and Communications Melanie Shakarian, who was recently highlighted by Crain's Cleveland Business as a 2024 Notable Leader in Communications.

This list recognizes top communications professionals from across Northeast Ohio who make an impact on the community.

As Director of Development and Communications for Legal Aid, Melanie leads philanthropy, external affairs, government relations, public relations, and marketing communications. She is responsible for all organizational communications, including but not limited to supporter and client outreach, social and traditional media, messaging, and maintaining brand/identity.

Melanie’s leadership has resulted in powerful growth – elevating Legal Aid’s position in the community, attracting new partners, and raising additional resources to sustain and expand programs.

“Melanie uses her commitment to justice to tell Legal Aid’s story. She skillfully builds support for Legal Aid’s work among funders, the bar, public officials, and partner organizations, while also increasing awareness among the client community. She is a thought leader and an amazingly effective ambassador for Legal Aid,” said Colleen Cotter, Legal Aid Executive Director.

In 2023 Melanie was appointed to the Cleveland Public Library’s Board of Trustees where she uses her passion for education and public libraries to promote social justice and build bridges in the community. Melanie is involved in the parent organization of her children’s school; a past board member of her neighborhood community development organization; a member of the Ohio bar; and is active in the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.