Melissa Smith

Background

About Melissa Smith

My background is broadcast journalism and my heart is set on informing and educating. My goal in TV news as a reporter and anchor was to always impact people's lives with issues surrounding them including their families, health, wellness and quality of life. I believe the public has the right to know what goes on in their communities and the world around them, including how it could impact them. I have worked in the broadcast news world since 2005 but transitioned my career path to align with my ultimate passion of animal welfare. I am a media relations specialist for the Humane Society of the United States. I work with news organizations across the country to inform the public about animal issues in the United States and around the globe. I get the honor of working with animal welfare experts, animal scientists, legal professionals focused on animal welfare and help them get news stories out to the public. I am truly lucky living out a dream being a voice for animals in a world that needs more kindness and empathy to be shown toward these beings. I am extremely focused on animal rights and awareness of the emotional intellect of animals. I am dedicated to helping bring exposure to not just domestic animals but ALL animals including wild and farm animals. I believe showing the emotional intellect and empathy that animals have through facts, reports and research is a powerful way to do this. In 2016, I became vegan after researching what goes on with the food industry primarily the meat and dairy industries. My mind was blown, and I felt resentment toward myself for not researching this years ago. My outlook on life and the life of other beings completely changed. I found myself looking for alternatives and also informing people on this issue within my career. I believe in only using cruelty-free products including cosmetics and household cleaners because I believe animals should not be tested on for human consumption. An animal advocate once told me, “Animals have a voice. We just have to help them be heard.” I am also highly focused on sustainability, recycling and eco-friendly practices that benefit our planet. I want to convey to people how the health of our world and nature, starts in our own life.