Meet Melissa Guenette
In today’s multifaceted world of communications, events, and branding, Melissa Guenette is leading the charge in redefining how influence, visibility, and community storytelling intersect. Based in Nepean, Ontario, Canada, Melissa is the CEO of A-List Media Solutions, a firm focused on high-impact media strategy, public relations, and personal branding. She is also the Founder and Director of Communications at SPED My City, a fast-growing community platform, and a fashion stylist at Bayshore Shopping Centre, where she brings style and confidence to her clients’ everyday lives. Her passion lies in helping others share their stories clearly, confidently, and in alignment with who they truly are.
Where It All Began: Melissa’s Foundation in Media and Marketing
Melissa’s professional path began with a deep interest in communication, developed through her studies at Carleton University. It was there she laid the groundwork for her career in public relations, blending strategy with storytelling, a skill that would later define her approach as both a media consultant and business leader.
Armed with this foundation, Melissa launched into the fast-paced world of digital communications, taking on diverse roles that would shape her understanding of audience connection, brand resonance, and platform-building.
A Decade of Entrepreneurship: MG Social
In 2013, Melissa launched MG Social – Social Media & Marketing, a firm that would become one of Ottawa’s leading agencies in the digital communication space. For nearly eleven years, she worked as the company’s founder and owner, providing brands with the tools to flourish in the age of online engagement. Her leadership at MG Social was marked by innovation, agility, and an intuitive grasp of how social platforms could transform public visibility.
During this chapter of her career, Melissa also connected with local creators and business owners, eventually gaining recognition as a micro-influencer with a loyal community following. This era shaped her perspective on marketing as not just a tool for promotion, but as a bridge between authentic stories and real audiences. As she once shared during a podcast appearance:
“I had a great time talking about my business and sharing my favorite tips about social media, marketing, and online advertising.”
MG Social eventually transitioned into the next chapter of her professional journey, but its legacy lives on through the brands it helped shape and the reputation Melissa built as a trusted voice in media.
Serving the Community: The Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation
In 2021, Melissa joined the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation as a Manager, taking her communication expertise into the nonprofit and healthcare space. During her tenure, which lasted until early 2024, she led community-driven campaigns and managed internal and external communication strategies to support the Foundation’s mission. It was a meaningful pivot in her career, one that deepened her understanding of purpose-driven messaging and underscored the role of empathy in public engagement.
Leading with Vision: A-List Media Solutions
In October 2024, Melissa took her vision to the next level by founding A-List Media Solutions, where she now serves as CEO. Headquartered in Ottawa, the firm specializes in high-impact media liaison and public relations services, offering everything from corporate events and brand management to media coaching and celebrity representation.
With a small but dynamic team, Melissa leads A-List Media in crafting personalized strategies that help clients secure speaking engagements, elevate their brands, and handle public communication with confidence. Whether guiding a media event or coaching an executive for a keynote, her hands-on approach is grounded in real-world results and seasoned expertise. One of the brand’s core values is its emphasis on storytelling. According to A-List Media’s philosophy:
“We help you navigate the complex world of media relations… ensuring your message is heard and your brand is represented at its best.”
This mission echoes Melissa’s personal commitment to helping individuals and organizations connect authentically with their audiences. Discover more here.
Building Local Culture: SPED My City
In August 2023, Melissa also took on the role of Director of Communications and Special Events at SPED My City, a vibrant local initiative that celebrates Ottawa’s cultural landscape. What began as a newsletter has grown into a citywide platform boasting over 14,000 subscribers. From events and collaborations to media features, SPED My City curates what’s happening in the capital, bringing local stories into the spotlight.
The platform’s Instagram showcases the pulse of Ottawa’s lifestyle and entertainment scene. Events curated and promoted by SPED blend Melissa’s flair for storytelling with a community-first mindset. With her leadership, the platform has become a go-to resource for local influencers, small businesses, and audiences eager to stay connected with their city.
Style Meets Empowerment: Fashion Stylist at Bayshore
Alongside her executive roles, Melissa serves as a Fashion Stylist at Bayshore Shopping Centre, where she supports clients in discovering their personal style through curated fashion experiences and tailored consultations. Her work bridges inner confidence and outer presentation, proving that fashion is more than aesthetics, it’s empowerment. From fundraising for local causes to styling keynote speakers, Melissa uses fashion as a vehicle for confidence and expression.
One of her most visible moments was hosting the National Women’s Show, where she brought together her expertise in PR, fashion, and media to educate and inspire.
Her styling role also intersects with community support. Melissa also led a $5,000 fundraising effort in collaboration with Dress for Success Ottawa, contributing to professional attire and development tools for women in need. In her words,
“This donation will help empower individuals in our community by providing them with professional attire and career development tools.”
Behind the Brand: Coaching Industry Leaders
Melissa’s work isn’t just about building her own brand, it’s about elevating others. She served as PR coach and fashion stylist to Samantha Moonsammy, co-founder of Lucky Book Publishing and keynote speaker on diversity and leadership.
Samantha praised her guidance publicly: “I have a stylist + PR coach, Melissa Guenette, who made it magic with me.”
It’s one of many examples where Melissa’s behind-the-scenes impact helped others shine publicly. Whether preparing an entrepreneur for the spotlight or mentoring a community leader, Melissa brings her unique ability to amplify without overpowering and to support others in building their own legacy.
Leading with Intention
Across every role, from entrepreneur and media strategist to stylist and city connector, Melissa Guenette’s work is rooted in clarity, collaboration, and authenticity. She brings a unique ability to balance strategy with style, corporate vision with community care, and messaging with meaning. As seen in her own reflection on outdoor networking events:
“Connections shouldn’t happen just over coffee.”
It’s a sentiment that captures the essence of her approach: authentic, human-centered, and always evolving. Whether behind the scenes or at center stage, Melissa continues to shape the voice of Ottawa, one event, brand, and conversation at a time.
Empowering Lessons from the Path of Melissa Guenette
- Authenticity builds connection – Melissa’s success stems from aligning strategy with truth.
- “Connections shouldn’t happen just over coffee.” – environments matter when cultivating trust.
- Visibility should reflect values – purpose-driven stories create lasting impact.
- Behind every great brand is a thoughtful strategy – from MG Social to A-List Media, Melissa’s focus remains on purpose-driven storytelling.
Connect with Melissa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-guenette-6895821b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missguenette/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miss.guenette/
Website: https://www.alistmediasolutions.com/
Editorial Note: A New Standard in Leadership and Brand Strategy
Melissa Guenette’s journey is one of alignment, clarity, and lasting influence. Through her work in public relations, fashion, and community-building, she has created a blueprint for what it means to lead with purpose, whether through a media campaign, a curated outfit, or a citywide newsletter.
Melissa Guenette is not just building brands, she is amplifying voices, strengthening communities, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Her story is one of meaningful presence and intentional power.
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