Melanie Santostefano is a seasoned entrepreneur, podcast host, and communications expert with more than 25 years of experience helping people tell their stories with power and authenticity. She is the founder of Vicarious Multimedia and St. Steven Public Relations, where her teams support clients in sharing messages that connect and inspire with power and authenticity.

Her book, “Thoughts Become Things: Six Pillars to Guide You Through Life” draws on Melanie’s warmth and relatable storytelling to explore purpose-driven living. She believes the Six Pillars — Honor, Humility, Gratitude, Grit, Faith, and Forgiveness — serve as a critical foundation for growth, self-reflection and worth, meaningful change, and purpose-driven living.

A sought-after keynote speaker, emcee, and leader of workshops, seminars and retreats, Melanie is known for her insight, humor, and heart. She motivates audiences to embrace agency, rewrite their narratives, take control of their lives, and pursue their goals with clarity and courage.

The proud daughter of Italian and Irish immigrants, Melanie credits her family’s sacrifices for making her American Dream possible. She lives in Chicago’s northwest suburbs with her teenage son. Outside of work, she is a fitness enthusiast, avid reader and writer, loves to travel, and enjoys Argentinian and Italian wines.