Melissa Jane Kronfeld is a Ph.D. (ABD) in the Division of Global Affairs at Rutgers University. She received a B.A. in International Relations from George Washington University, as well as a M.S. in Global Affairs from both New York University and Rutgers University. Melissa has lectured on American foreign policy and national security issues at Rutgers, Syracuse University and New York University. In 2012, she was awarded first place in the Richard A. Clarke National Security and Counter-Terrorism Scholarship contest and in 2014, the Rutgers University Walter F. Weiker scholarship celebrating students who possess academic excellence and a commitment to exceptional contributions to society.  A journalist and editorialist, Melissa has been featured in the Politico, The Daily Caller, Huffington Post, Salon, Millennial Magazine, Government Security News, Fox News, Fox News Channel, Fox Business, AM970 The Answer, Voice America, 77 WABC Radio, The Journal on Terrorism and Security Analysis, Radio Night Live with Kevin McCullough, Mic, World Jewish Daily, and the New York Post. As a millennial activist, she has delivered remarks at conferences and gatherings around the world including at the United Nations, the White House and on Capitol Hill. Melissa is also engaged in numerous community endeavors, non-profit advisory boards and associations, as well as a group of socially conscious start-up businesses engaged across a spectrum of humanitarian causes. In 2014, she launched Passion For A Purpose, a full service social impact and philanthropic development agency. Melissa also serves as the founding co-chair of the Nexus Working Group on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery. For her philanthropic efforts, she was named one of the “36 Under 36” by The Jewish Week and was nominated for a Jewish People's Choice Awards in the category of “making a difference.” In 2017, Melissa ran for New York City Council in Manhattan’s District 4.