Melissa Medina Jiménez is a Partner at Medina Capital Ventures and Co-founder & President of eMerge Americas, a venture-backed platform focused on transforming South Florida into a global tech hub. At Medina Capital, Melissa is responsible for identifying, sourcing, and working with early-stage companies and their respective founders. Melissa leads the DEI strategy for Medina Capital Ventures, focusing on women and underrepresented founder-led investment opportunities.
Melissa’s leadership at eMerge Americas has allowed the platform to grow and attract more than 20,000+ attendees from over 50 countries on annual basis. eMerge gathers the brightest minds and convenes investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, business executives, government leaders, academia and renowned subject matter experts from across the globe to discuss technologies transforming our lives. eMerge organizes and hosts year-round executive summits, innovation challenges, startup pitch competitions, masterclasses, webinars, as well as publishes venture activity and investment insights reports and publications. Melissa has been at the forefront of helping to foster a thriving entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem across Latin America and USA.
In 2015 Melissa launched the Women, Innovation & Technology summit (WIT), which convenes top female professionals from across the globe to showcase how they are transforming industries through technology & innovation. Melissa is extremely committed to and has a strong track record in supporting and investing in women and minority founders. Additionally Melissa served on Endeavor Miami’s Board of Directors for 5 years, helping lead the inaugural US based chapter of the Global entrepreneurship organization.
Melissa began her technology career at Terremark Worldwide, a leading operator of integrated network access points. Melissa started as a Research Assistant in the Development Department and worked her way up as an Account Manager & Financial Analyst, analyzing company revenue and implementing audit systems.
Melissa is also the President of the Medina Family Foundation (MFF). As President of the foundation, Melissa leads the foundation’s mission to support local initiatives that focus on mentoring children and empowering families by enhancing education and their quality of life. The MFF has supported various organizations including: The Children’s Movement, Roots of Hope, SEED School of Miami, FIU Aquarius, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Guitars Over Guns, Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami, Camillus House, Shake-A-Leg, The United Way, among many others.
Melissa has been honored with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce “Difference Maker” HYPE Award, as well as recognized as a “Pace-Setting Woman in Miami” by the State of Florida for her commitment to her city. Furthermore, the Junior League of Miami recognized Melissa as a “Woman Who Makes A Difference.” Melissa was also named one of the six most influential women in philanthropy by Ocean Drive Magazine. Melissa was awarded the “2018 Community Catalyst” award by Catalyst Miami organization. Melissa has also been named multiple years, including in 2023, as one of the “Power Leaders in Technology” by the South Florida Business Journal. Melissa also sits on the Board of The Miami Foundation and Roots of Hope.
Melissa attended the University of FL and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Master’s in International Business at the ESADE University in Barcelona, Spain – one of the top global universities in business management. Most importantly, Melissa is a mother and most passionate about her 5 children – Sebastian, Eva, Ellie, Nicolas, and Inés Emilia.
