Team Bios

As the Diversity & Inclusion Business Partner Lead, Melissa operates in direct partnership with the leadership team and human resources in the company’s North America region to understand the needs of the workforce, drive strategy and incorporate training programs. Melissa seeks to inspire inclusion and collaboration across various organizational groups and assists senior-level management with the development of innovative and measurable solutions that create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

Melissa is also Publisher & Portfolio Director of Airport Experience News and is responsible for the overall strategic vision of AXN, the Airport Experience Conference and other company-hosted events. She leads the AX team in hosting an unparalleled networking and education opportunity for airport and concessions executives, supported by the AX News magazine and other media. She is also host of the informative AXiNsights webinar series.  

Melissa joined Airport Experience News in 2013 as Director of Business Development & Marketing, became Portfolio Director in 2019 and was named Publisher the following year. Prior to joining AXN, Montes was Director of Account Services at Ryan William’s Agency and also held other advertising and PR positions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University.

When Melissa is not wheels up you can find her on a Yoga mat where she is either practicing or teaching Vinyasa Yoga or volunteering with the Junior League where she has been an active member for 12 years.