Melanie Samarasinghe

In her role, Melanie is excited to help Crisis Text Line to serve more communities through leading the Business Development and Partnerships team. She brings over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and partnership development at leading technology and media organizations. Her expansive career journey included working for top companies such as Spotify, Twitter and FADER media.

As Crisis Text Line’s Chief Business Development Officer, Melanie ensures the financial sustainability of the organization, in close partnership with the CEO. She works to set organizational strategy to develop partnerships with corporate entities, major donors, and other key stakeholders to create diversified revenue streams and deliver value to the organization’s supporters and their communities. These partnerships enable Crisis Text Line to reach and support people in their moments of need. 

Melanie received a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Urban Studies from Columbia University. Throughout her career, she has received multiple certifications as a strategist, a specialist in programmatic principles and omnichannel strategies.