Congratulations to Melissa Prandi of the Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael for being selected as Rotary District 5150's Rotarian of the Month for November 2024!
Since joining Rotary in July 2011, Melissa Prandi has been a dedicated and inspiring Rotarian, exemplifying leadership, generosity, and a deep passion for service. Her contributions to Rotary and the broader community are profound and far-reaching, particularly in membership development and international service.
Melissa has served as the Membership Chair of the Mission San Rafael Rotary Club for the past nine years and has personally sponsored 32 members, significantly strengthening and growing the Club. Expanding her influence beyond her own Club, she also served as District Membership Chair from 2020 to 2022. In the 2019-2020 Rotary year, Melissa served as Club President. Her dedication to personal growth is evident; she has attended six zone conferences and seven international Rotary conferences, continually seeking opportunities to learn and expand her impact.
Melissa’s commitment to Rotary’s mission extends to the international stage. During a 2021 Rotary trip with H2Open Doors, she delivered Hygiene Kits to Uganda, an experience that profoundly impacted her and led her to found The Melissa Prandi Children Foundation (MPCF). This foundation partners with Ugandan Rotarians to protect and support women and children in Kampala, Uganda. Through MPCF, Melissa empowers youth and young women with education, vocational training, and economic independence, while also protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and child labor.
In 2024, MPCF proudly reports 159 children fully enrolled in boarding school and sponsorship of six recent university graduates, with four more entering university in August. The foundation has distributed hygiene kits and provided education to 5,008 girls, aiming to reach 8,000 by year’s end. The female empowerment microloan program has expanded, with one group repaying their loans and mentoring others in businesses such as bricklaying, poultry farming, retail, and mushroom farming. Additionally, MPCF’s community sewing center continues to scale hygiene kit production, empowering even more young women.
A White Hat Major Donor and Paul Harris Fellow, Melissa is widely recognized for her philanthropy. In April 2023, she received the Public Service Award from the City of San Rafael and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, honoring her ongoing commitment to community service.
Beyond Rotary, Melissa serves or has served on several boards, including Hospice By the Bay, Marin Fair Housing Authority, and the business advisory board for the Bank of Marin. She also supports local charities like Giving Marin and 100 Marin and currently presides over the Women’s Leadership Philanthropy Council at Dominican University.
As the founder and CEO of Prandi Property Management Inc. for over 41 years, Melissa exemplifies exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
Rotary District 5150 are honored to recognize Melissa Prandi as the Rotarian of the Month for November 2024, celebrating her outstanding contributions and commitment to Rotary values.