Melissa Navarro
About Melissa Navarro
Melissa Navarro is a Senior Business Development Manager at Expedia, Inc. with extensive experience in the hospitality industry and a background in management from Penn State University.
Education and Expertise
Melissa Navarro studied at Penn State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. Her education provided her with fundamental skills and knowledge that laid the foundation for her career in business development and management within the hospitality and travel industries.
Professional Roles at Expedia, Inc.
Melissa Navarro has a comprehensive history of roles at Expedia, Inc. She began as an Associate Market Manager from 2012 to 2014, followed by her role as Market Manager from 2014 to 2016. In 2016, she served briefly as a Senior Market Manager before advancing to Area Manager and then to her current position as Senior Business Development Manager, a role she has held since 2019.
Early Career and Internships
Melissa Navarro's career includes various internships and roles in the hospitality industry. She worked as an intern in revenue management and front office at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in New York City from 2010 to 2011 and as an intern in front office and room operations at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in 2011. Additionally, she gained experience in sales and marketing at Turf Valley Resort from 2007 to 2009 and at The Columbia Inn at Peralynna from 2008 to 2009.
Industry Contributions and Recognitions
Melissa Navarro has notably contributed to the industry through authorship, serving as an author for a Pearson textbook titled 'Technology Strategies for the Hospitality Industry' where she focused on online distribution. She has also received recognition for her professional achievements, honored with the 'Emerging Professional' award by the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society (PSHRS) in 2017.
Non-Profit and Professional Societies
Beyond her corporate roles, Melissa Navarro actively participates in professional and non-profit organizations. She is the Membership Chair on the Executive Board of the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society (PSHRS) and serves as the Director of Organizations & Partnerships for Women in Travel Thrive, a non-profit organization supporting women in the travel industry.