About Melanie
Storyteller. Strategist. Speaker.
Sharing powerful messages that inspire and motivate audiences to look within, build courage, embrace hope and discover the strength to create and live their best life.
Professional Background
The voice behind the message
Melanie Santostefano is the Founder and President of St. Steven Public Relations and Vicarious Multimedia, firms that specialize in marketing, public relations, public information, crisis communications and political consulting. Since 2015, she and her teams have advised corporate, nonprofit and local government leaders, as well as elected officials, on strategic messaging, storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
With nearly 25 years of experience in communications, including radio broadcast and digital journalism, Melanie offers extensive expertise in helping organizations craft narratives that connect with their target demographics and the public at large. She is the host of the Local Gov Stories Podcast, the Once Upon a Business Podcast and creator of Melanie’s Motivation Mindset Monday.
She has led workshops on personal empowerment, legacy and leadership, how to leverage power from pain, as well as communication strategies and crisis communications.
On Stage Since 2025
From sharing others’ stories to sharing her own
As an outgrowth of her love for sharing important messages for others, Melanie began presenting keynotes in 2025 for individuals seeking personal and professional empowerment, business professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills, and those who want to overcome the challenges and traumas of their lives.
Professional Resume
Career Highlights
- Founder/President, Vicarious Multimedia (2004–present) and St. Steven Public Relations (2022–present)
- Author, “Thoughts Become Things – Six Pillars to Guide You Through Life” (St. Steven Public Relations, 2024)
- Podcast Host, Once Upon a Business, a Vicarious Multimedia production
- Co-Host, Local Gov Stories Podcast, Illinois City/County Management Association (2023–present)
- Editor/Writer, Arlington Heights Patch and Palatine Patch (2010–2012)
- Morning Show Co-Host, “The Joe Show with Melanie” (2004)
- On-Air Reporter & News Wire Writer, Shadow Broadcast/Metro Networks, Chicago: News Radio 780 WBBM, WLS 890 AM (2002–2004)
- On-Air Reporter and News Writer, Newstalk 1340 WSOY, Decatur, Illinois (1999–2002)
- University of Illinois at Chicago, dual focus in Psychology and Communications
Awards & Honors
Recognized for impact
Golden Trumpet Award
Chicago Publicity Club · Public Affairs Award
Golden Trumpet Award
Chicago Publicity Club · Local Gov Stories Podcast
ILCMA Special Service Award
Creation of the Local Gov Stories Podcast
Golden Trumpet Award
Chicago Publicity Club · Public Information Projects
Golden Trumpet Award
Chicago Publicity Club · Local Government Recruitment Video
Enterprising Women of the Year
Enterprising Women Magazine
Business Leader of the Year
Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce
Rotarian of the Year
Buffalo Grove Rotary Club
Palatine Pride Award
Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce
Influential Women in Business Award
Daily Herald News Media Group · Business Ledger
Business Leader of the Year
Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce
Business of the Year
Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce
Bring Melanie to your stage
Inspire your audience to build the life they want.
Keynotes, workshops and retreats tailored to the unique needs, interests and experiences of each audience.